While famed for their swimming pools and communal sports facilities, SAFRA clubhouses are home to far more than one would expect. Beyond the familiar favourites lies a trove of hidden gems offering new ways for people to collaborate, compete and most importantly, connect.

Here are 5 lesser-known hangout spots at SAFRA that you might not have discovered yet!

Pickleball Courts – SAFRA Jurong, Tampines, Mount Faber & Yishun

Opening Hours: 7am to 1am, daily

Rates (per hour)

SAFRA Jurong and Tampines: $3.30–$7.20 (SAFRA Members), $5.10–$11.20 (Guests)

SAFRA Yishun: $3.30–$6.60 (SAFRA & Affiliate Members), $5.10–$10.20 (Guests)

SAFRA Mount Faber: $6.00–$8.45 (SAFRA & Affiliate Members), $5.10–$10.20 (Guests)

Just like how spicy stir-fry (Ma la xiang guo) took our culinary scene by storm when it was first introduced, it seems that pickleball is primed to be our latest recreational obsession. Having exploded in popularity in Singapore, it is increasingly difficult to secure a pickleball court with more and more interest groups organising sessions every week. Thankfully, SAFRA clubhouses are now furnished with courts capable of accommodating this newfound fascination! Now available at four of SAFRA’s clubhouses, these multi-purpose courts are fitted for both casual and professional pickleball players to pick up their paddles and start smashing!

Speaking of paddles, SAFRA members can also enjoy free use of the clubhouse’s inventory of pickleball equipment, including a set of paddles and balls. Learn more at safra.sg/play-pickleball-at-safra.

Photography Studio and Dark Room – SAFRA Toa Payoh

Opening Hours:
Mondays and Fridays: 9:30am to 12:30pm, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Tuesdays to Thursdays: 9:30am to 12:30pm, 2:00pm to 5:00pm, 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Saturdays: 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Rates: $32.70 (For SAFRA Content Creator Club Members) / $65.40 for 3 hours

Photographers are going to love this one!

SAFRA Toa Payoh houses a dark room that is fitted with 6 enlargers capable of black-and-white processing as well as printing. This is perfect for enthusiasts seeking a more experiential approach to modern photography, with the tools necessary to impart primitive techniques that paved the way for modern photo manipulation applications. 

That’s not to say that the entire space is fixated on the past. There is also a contemporary studio that is perfect for indoor photography sessions! 

As the facility is reserved for members of SAFRA’s Content Creator Club, this is a great opportunity for you to join a community of fellow like-minded hobbyists who are equally as passionate about content creation as you are. Visit safra.sg/safra-content-creator-club to learn more! 

Game Rooms (For SAFRA Members) – SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, Jurong, Mount Faber, Punggol, Tampines, Yishun and Toa Payoh

Rates (per hour):

SAFRA Toa Payoh and Jurong: $8.75–$16.75

SAFRA Mount Faber. Punggol and Tampines: $13.10–$16.75

SAFRA Choa Chu Kang: and Yishun: $13.10–$16.75

As any affable host will know, organising game nights can be a huge hassle at home. There will be clutter. There will be movement. And there will be a lot of chatter, which might be an issue if you’re part of a shared household. At best, it’s an inconvenience. At worst, it’s a logistical nightmare. 

Spare yourself the hassle and book one of SAFRA’s many game rooms! Whether it’s a casual game of Mahjong or a competitive poker match, the space is equipped with everything you will  need for a good time with friends. And do not worry about dusk setting in – some rooms are open until as late as 4am. 

You can find a game room at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang,  SAFRA Jurong, SAFRA Mount Faber, SAFRA Punggol, SAFRA Toa Payoh,  SAFRA Tampines and SAFRA Yishun.

Culinary Experience Studio – SAFRA Punggol

Opening Hours: 9am – 12am midnight from Sundays to Thursdays, 9am to 3am (next day) on Fridays and Saturdays

Rates (per block): $155.00–$330.90 (SAFRA Members) / $216.10–$433.50 (Guests)

While dinner parties are great and all, they often miss the collaborative spark that makes for a truly shared experience. And if you really think about it, cooking is an amazing team-building activity that can be personalised to accommodate your guests’ varied interests and skill sets. 

This cooking studio at SAFRA Punggol is designed for just that. Outfitted with state-of-the-art appliances that are easy to use for both budding and seasoned chefs, it offers the perfect space for a communal culinary adventure. Whether you’re preparing a full-course meal or a platter of pastries, the kitchen comes alive with the banter and laughter of participants working toward a shared (and hopefully delicious) goal.

Oh, and don’t trouble yourself with the clean-up. SAFRA will handle the aftermath of your creative chaos! 

Visit safra.sg/culinary-experience-studio for more information. 

Starlit Pavilion Powered by The Bar Project – SAFRA Punggol

Entertainment Line-Up

Rush Hour: Every Friday, 8.00pm – 11.00pm

The J.I.V.E.: Every Saturday, 8.00pm – 11.00pm

Do you know what goes great with food? Music, especially if sung live!

Every Friday and Saturday, the Culinary Avenue at SAFRA Punggol becomes an exuberant host to local artists looking to put their own spin on endearing classic hits! Sing along as they belt out heartfelt renditions of your favourite English and Chinese songs, or simply soak in the intimacy of the night under a canopy of fairy light and stars. Who knows – you might even get to make a song request or two! 

The pavilion also serves a variety of mouth-watering appetisers, from Salted Egg Fish Skins to Dough Fritters with Seafood Paste. And of course, you must pair them with a couple of cold ones!

For more information, visit safra.sg/astarlit-pavilion

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Thinking of picking up a martial arts sport in 2025? You’re in the right place! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been around for close to 100 years, and is lauded for its accessibility and beginner-friendly moves. Anyone can pick up the sport easily, and it can be practised anywhere. It is mobile, powerful and most importantly, it is easily adaptable to our modern way of life.

But what exactly is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? 

Brazilian what?

It’s coined as a Brazilian sports type, but its country of origin is affixed with the Japanese noun, Jiu-Jitsu. What gives? 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu really is a marriage between two very distinct Judo variants, a fusion that is more accessible and beginner-friendly for the masses. It is a modern interpretation of Judo, emphasising ground grappling fighting techniques. It found great success in the Judo community, with many embracing its more pragmatic and high impact move sets as a way of life. Many practitioners have also gravitated towards Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for its self-defence move sets. 

I just got attacked!

We are joined by our very own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach from Onyx Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at SAFRA Jurong to showcase three fundamental self-defence move sets that anyone, regardless of stature or experience, can try!

Technique 1: Wrist Grab Escape

In a scenario where someone grabs your wrist, it is crucial to remember that the weakest point of any grip is the thumb. Turn towards it and pull away! 

Technique 2: Rear Choke Defence

An attacker has just grabbed you from behind! 

First, tuck your chin to protect your airway and then grip their arms. Step to the side and pivot out using your hip. Leverage always beats raw strength! 

Technique 3: Ground Escape

Someone has pushed you, causing you to fall to the ground. While it is easy to indulge your instincts and fight back, you have to remind yourself of the primary goal here – to get back on your feet safely. 

Use your legs to create distance and push your assailant off his balance. After which, stand up with a technical recovery move (as shown in the video). 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing and much more

With training studios at SAFRA Tampines, SAFRA Jurong and SAFRA Yishun at EnergyOne, you can easily find a community of impassioned fighters pushing themselves to their limit at Onyx Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). In addition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, they also offer classes in Muay Thai, Boxing as well as Strength and Conditioning. They even have sessions personalised for kids! 

Whether you’re looking to try out the various martial arts or simply looking to get active and fit, Onyx MMA has you covered. You might even build some muscles and lose a couple of pounds along the way!

Visit safra.sg/onyx-mixed-martial-arts-(mma) for more information.

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

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While a stellar academic framework is vital for any educational institution to succeed, it is just as important that physical education receives the same attention, especially for kids during their formative years. Not only does an active lifestyle strengthen our children’s muscular fitness as well as bone health, it also helps young learners feel more confident about themselves.

We visit NurtureStars at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang to learn more about its unique JACPA Physical Education Programme and how it helps young learners cultivate a more active lifestyle. 

Let’s get physical at NurtureStars!

NurtureStars developed its Physical Education curriculum alongside JACPA, a Japanese sports academy renowned for its early childhood development initiatives. To do this, JACPA sent a faculty of teachers to Singapore in 2005 to establish NurtureStars’ pioneering gymnastic curriculum. Paired with NurtureFit, a proprietary class focused on instilling foundational motor skills, NurtureStars has possibly one of Singapore’s most comprehensive Physical Education programmes specifically curated for preschoolers.

More confident and coordinated

To help you better understand and visualise the JAPCA programme, teachers from NurtureStars at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang bring you through 3 exercises that illustrate its learning objectives. 

Exercise 1: Balancing Beam

This activity is aimed at improving your kid’s core strength and coordination while serving as a fun exercise to build determination. 

Exercise 2: Gymnastics Formation

The Gymnastics Formation is a great opportunity for students to learn teamwork, as they work together to develop a creative gymnastic routine. 

Exercise 3: Monkey Bar

The Monkey Bar serves as a fun obstacle for kids and encourages them to work towards overcoming this physical challenge while testing their resilience. 

With your kid, every step of the way

Made possible by a longstanding collaboration between Kinderland International Education and SAFRA, NurtureStars is an established name in offering high quality pre-school education.

Here, your child benefits from Kinderland’s invaluable expertise in Childhood Education as well as the endless possibilities that SAFRA brings to the table. On that note, you can easily find a NurtureStars Preschool near you, with all of SAFRA’s clubs (apart from SAFRA@ 29 Carpenter Street ) housing a NurtureStars branch. 

Let your child join this community of budding thinkers and watch your little star shine bright!

SAFRA members enjoy Enrolment Perks worth up to $300 when you sign your child up at NurtureStars Preschool. Visit safra.sg/nurturestars-preschool for more information.

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

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Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or engaging in a high-intensity training session, being well prepared can significantly enhance your performance and recovery. Packing the right essentials ensures you stay energised, hydrated, and comfortable throughout your workout.

Here are the top five must-have items for your next training session:

1. Water

Staying hydrated is crucial for effective workouts. What’s more, in Singapore’s humid climate, it’s essential to maintain hydration levels to prevent fatigue and cramps.

The Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommends consuming six to eight glasses of water daily to support essential bodily functions. Additionally, Sport Singapore advises drinking about 500 ml of water 30 minutes before exercise, 250 ml to 500 ml every half-hour during exercise, and 1,000 ml after exercise to replenish fluids lost through sweat. 

Bring your water in a refillable sports bottle so that you can replenish your hydration at water points.

2. Protein-packed snacks

Proper nutrition before and after exercise is crucial for muscle recovery and sustained energy. The HPB recommends that adults aged 18 to 49 consume approximately 0.8 g of protein per kg of body weight daily, while those aged 50 and above should aim for 1.2 g per kg. For example, a 70 kg individual aged 18 to 49 would require about 56 g of protein per day.

Packing a high-protein snack like a protein bar, a handful of nuts, or a serving of Greek yogurt can help replenish muscle glycogen and support muscle repair. For convenience, opt for ready-to-eat options that are easy to carry and consume on the go. If you’re aiming for muscle gain or endurance improvement, pairing protein with a carbohydrate source can further enhance recovery and performance.

3. A high-performance towel

After sweating it out in a great workout, a microfibre towel is a must-have in your gym bag. Unlike regular cotton towels, microfibre towels are lightweight, ultra-absorbent, and quick-drying, making them perfect for wiping away sweat mid-workout or to dry up after post-training showers. Some towels even come with antibacterial properties to keep unpleasant odours at bay.

4. Resistance bands

Whether you’re warming up, cooling down, or adding an extra challenge to your routine, resistance bands are a versatile tool worth packing and don’t take up much space in your bag. From activating glutes before a run to aiding post-workout stretching, they’re an excellent addition to any fitness enthusiast’s kit.

5. 5-hour ENERGY® shots

Need an extra boost to achieve your fitness goals? A 5-hour ENERGY® shot can be a gamechanger. These compact 57 ml size, easy-to-carry energy shots provide a boost and long-lasting burst of energy, perfect for powering through intense workouts.

Unlike sugary energy drinks that can lead to crashes, 5-hour ENERGY® shots are sugar-free and contain both B-vitamins and amino acids to keep you sharp and focused without unwanted jitters. Ideal for early morning workouts or after a long day at work, they help you perform at your best when you need it most.

Some advantages of 5-hour ENERGY® shots include:

• Portability: Unlike drinks which require preparation, each 5-hour ENERGY® shot comes in a handy pocket-sized 57 ml bottle that you can carry anywhere for an instant energy boost.
• Mental benefits: Each shot of 5-hour ENERGY® also contains a combination of vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 that helps to build mental clarity and focus.
• Unique flavours: 5-hour ENERGY® comes in exciting flavours like Peach Tea, Cool Mint Lemonade, Orange, Grape, Maple Syrup, and Apple Bash!

Packing smart for your workouts means less hassle and more focus on your fitness goals. From staying energised with 5-hour ENERGY® shots to ensuring proper recovery with protein-packed snacks, these essentials will help you maximise every training session. Find out more and get your shots here!

SAFRA exclusive: For a limited time only, purchase 5-hour ENERGY® shots at just $3.95 per bottle (usually $4.60). Offer is only available at SAFRA Punggol and The Chevrons. Click here to learn more!

This post was brought to you by 5-hour ENERGY®.

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Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is fast gaining popularity in Singapore. Played in singles or doubles, it uses solid-faced paddles and a lightweight perforated plastic ball.

Categorised as a paddle sport, pickleball is played similarly to tennis where players trade shots until either side fails to return the ball. Played on a badminton-sized court, pickleball offers a moderate ball speed, making it easier for beginners, younger players and seniors to pick up.

Where did pickleball come from?

While the etymology of this sport is unclear, with some attributing its name to Pickles, the name of the dog belonging to pickleball founder Joel Pritchard, it is evidently a game born out of creative improvisation. Using an arbitrary array of sports equipment and facilities, the sport can be best described as a mash-up of some of the world’s most popular games. In fact, the first iteration of the sport began at a badminton court with a net height similar to tennis, and was played with paddleball paddles and a wiffle ball. 

How to play pickleball

Intrigued? To help you get started, pickleball Coach Su Li guides us through the basics in this video.

What you need

You essentially only need two things to get things going – pickleball paddles and a pickleball. 

A typical pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court. That said, the courts at SAFRA have distinct markers that allow the space to be used for both tennis and pickleball. 

Let’s play!

1. Stand behind the baseline and begin with an underhand serve from the right side of the court, aiming diagonally to your opponent’s service box.
2. The ball must bounce once on each side before you can start volleying. 
3. When volleying, remember to stay out of the non-volley zone, known as the kitchen.
4. When the serving team begins to serve, a rally starts. Only the serving team can score points, so if any faults occur during the rally, no points are scored and the serve goes to the opposing team, who will start a new rally.
5. Keep playing until one team reaches the point limit (usually 11 points) and wins by at least two points.
6. And that’s all there is to pickleball. Have fun!

Enjoy complimentary rental of pickleball equipment (paddles and balls) when you book the new pickleball courts at SAFRA Tampines, SAFRA Jurong and SAFRA Yishun. Visit safra.sg/tennis-pickleball-courts for more information. You can also play pickleball on SAFRA Mount Faber’s multi-purpose court, which you can book here.

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

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Looking for a fun and affordable way to stay active while spending quality time with your significant other? Singapore offers a plethora of exciting fitness activities that won’t break the bank, especially with extra savings for SAFRA members. Here are six ideas to get you going.

Bouncy bonding

Getting bored with reps at the gym? Embrace the energy of a jumping fitness class instead. The high-intensity, low-impact rebounding workout burns three times as many calories as running, while remaining easy on the joints. When done right, regular jumping also leads to improved muscle tone, lung capacity, physical endurance and cardiovascular health.

Get your bounce on with the original Jumping Fitness classes at selected SAFRA clubs. Conducted by social enterprise Jumping Singapore, a single trial starts at just $15. Combining elements of aerobics and trampoline exercises with professional Jumping® Profi trampolines, the addictive rebounding routines will leave you both breathless and laughing.

SAFRA members enjoy 5% off shareable packages of 8 sessions and above at Jumping Fitness in SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, Jurong & Punggol; more info at safra.sg/whats-on/jumping-fitness

Currently available at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, SAFRA Jurong & SAFRA Punggol

Not sure if Jumping Fitness is for you? Watch our video on how to get started!

Rock-climbing rendezvous

Conquer new heights in your relationship with a shared adrenaline rush. Rock-climbing is a challenging yet rewarding activity that can strengthen your bond both physically and mentally. Work together to conquer a challenging route, encourage each other through difficult sections, and celebrate your victories as a team. With so many indoor and outdoor rock-climbing facilities available, it’s easy to get started.

At Climb Central, for instance, you can experience bouldering, top rope climbing, lead climbing and auto-belay on rock walls from 4 to 16m high in cool indoor environments. For first timers, $38.15 covers a one-time adult admission and the rental of climbing shoes and harness. Simply walk in, sign up, attend a mandatory 15-minute safety briefing, and start climbing for as long as you like.

SAFRA members and servicemen enjoy 10% off first-timer entry and equipment rental at Climb Central SAFRA Choa Chu Kang; more info at safra.sg/promotions/climb-central-lifesg-credits-promo

SAFRA Choa Chu Kang: 28 Choa Chu Kang Drive, #03-02A

Want to try rock climbing? Watch our Climb Central video to find out how to get started!

Stretching soulmates

Here’s one to consider for lovebirds who lead hectic and stressful lifestyles. Enhance your flexibility, improve your balance and deepen your connection with your partner through a couple yoga class. As you flow through synchronised poses, learn to trust and support each other, and reap the calming effects of yoga together.

If you’re not sure if yoga is for you, you can try free classes, such as those organised by HPB via the Healthy 365 mobile app, or Yoga Seeds at Bishan-AMK Park every second Sunday. Many studios also offer trial packages, such as the three classes for $50 Intro Pass at Yoga Inc. This is a great way to explore its diverse class offerings, including beginner-friendly options like Basics, Hot Basics, Stretch and Yin yoga.

SAFRA members and servicemen enjoy a special rate of $188 for 10 classes worth $300 at Yoga Inc SAFRA Punggol; more info at safra.sg/promotions/yoga-inc-lifesg-credits-promotion

SAFRA Punggol: 9 Sentul Crescent, #01-03, Singapore 828654

Cycling connections

A cycling date along Singapore’s extensive Park Connector Network is a three-way win. You’ll get a cardio workout while traversing lush greenery, serene waterways and vibrant cityscapes, allowing for uninterrupted conversation and quality time together. Choose a route that suits your fitness level and interests, from short loops to longer expeditions.

Some of our favourite routes originate from Changi Airport Terminal 2, an excellent starting (and ending) point for several reasons. Firstly, you can grab breakfast at Hub & Spoke Café and rent bicycles from GoCycling if needed. After exploring sights like the Changi Jurassic Mile and taking in sunset views from Changi Bay Point’s lookout pavilion, head back for a laidback dinner with live music at Overflow Bar.

SAFRA members and servicemen enjoy 10% off mountain bike rentals at GoCycling, as well as 10% off food and non-alcoholic drinks at Hub & Spoke Cafe and Overflow Bar; more info at safra.sg/promotions/gocycling & safra.sg/promotions/hub-spoke-overflow

#01-T2S Changi Airport Terminal 2, 60 Airport Boulevard

Paddling paradise

Water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding provide a full-body workout, engaging your core and improving balance and coordination. Besides, they’re also super easy to pick up and make for a fun day out by the beach. For an exhilarating date, head to Ola Beach Club on Siloso Beach and experience these water sports firsthand.

Rent tandem kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and explore the coastline of Sentosa from another angle, experiencing the thrill of propelling yourselves through the water. Don’t worry if it’s your first time, as guides are on hand to help you get the hang of it, plus you’ll have life vests on. When you’re all paddled out, glide back to shore and chill out over Tiki cocktails and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.

For more savings on Ola Beach Club’s watersports activities, make your bookings via Klook. SAFRA members and servicemen enjoy up to 10% off sitewide; more info at safra.sg/promotions/klook-sg

46 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island

Trailblazing temptations

If you prefer keeping your feet on terra firma, then lace up your shoes, slap on some sunscreen and take to the many walking trails around Singapore. Whether you choose to navigate hilly terrain and rocky quarries, search out scenic views on treetop walks, or follow trails from coast to coast, hiking together offers a unique blend of adventure and intimacy.

Or why not embark on a hiking expedition to Singapore’s idyllic southern islands? A single ferry ticket lets you go island-hopping across St John’s, Lazarus, Kusu and the newly reopened Sisters’ islands. Hike biodiversity-rich trails and floating boardwalks, and even track down hidden hideouts within the pristine rainforest. Then find a secluded spot along sandy beaches and have a romantic picnic to bring your date to the perfect conclusion.

Make sure to wear suitable footwear for hiking. SAFRA members and servicemen enjoy up to 15% off at Asics, Bata & Skechers stores; more info at safra.sg/promotions/Asics-stores, safra.sg/promotions/bata & safra.sg/promotions/skechers-2025

Read on for tips from a podiatrist on how to choose the right footwear and keep your feet healthy.

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

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