Things to do in JCube before it closes down

With more than a hundred stores on its premises, we’re not surprised if you haven’t explored JCube in its entirety. But now’s a good time to visit some of the tenants you’ve walked past without a second thought.

JCube’s management dropped a bomb that the mall will be ceasing all operations from 7th August 2023 to make way for residential development J’Den Condo. That’s just 5 more months of an Olympic-sized ice rink, ladies-only salon, and K-BBQ before it shutters. Here are 9 things to do at JCube before it closes for good:

– Things to do – 

1. The Rink – Last skate at the only Olympic-sized ice rink in SG

The Rink is the only Olympic-sized ice skating rink in SG. 

Just because it doesn’t snow in Singapore, it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy winter activities like ice skating. You can do that at the very least at The Rink, which is 1 of 2 ice skating rinks in Singapore and the only one in the West.

The Rink offers 2-hour public skating sessions from just $18 for adults and $16 for children – and that’s inclusive of skates. Skating aids are also available from $11 for 2 hours, so even those with trouble keeping both feet on the ground won’t miss out on the fun.

Admission with skate rental: $18/Adults | $16/Child

Unit: #03-11
Opening hours: Sun-Mon & Wed-Thu 10am-9.30pm | Fri-Sat 10am-11.45pm | Tue 10am-7pm
Contact:  The Rink website 

2. Karva – Care for your tresses at a ladies-only salon

Ladies, you’ll want to round up the squad for Karva on your next girls’ night out. The hair salon is for women only, so even those who wear a hijab can feel more at ease while getting their tresses cared for.

Image adapted from: @karvasg

Hair services here include the usual trio of a cut, wash, and blow (from $45). For a more glam ’do, they also have perming (from $128), colouring (from $98), and rebonding (from $188) to choose from. 

Image adapted from: @karvasg

Go for a full head-to-toe makeover while you’re here. This outlet has mani-pedi services from $22 with the option of nail art at an additional $12. Karva uses Zahara nail polish, which is water permeable and suitable for Muslims.

Unit: #B1-16A
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm | Sun 10am-7pm
Contact: 6262 2217 | Karva website

3. Teo Heng KTV Studio – Sing your heart out into the dead of night

Whether you’ve got pipes like Adele or a quick tongue like Eminem, you can practise your setlist at Teo Heng KTV Studio.

The digital display makes it easy to queue songs into a playlist.

The karaoke studio has private rooms that fit up to 10 people, so go ahead and ask friends and family along to your next karaoke sesh. And we do recommend jio-ing all your buds. Since rates are charged by the hour per room, larger groups pay less when the total bill is split among everyone. 

Teo Heng closes late, up till 1am daily, except for Saturdays when it closes at 2am, so there’s more than enough time to belt out karaoke classics.

Full rates can be found on the Teo Heng website.

Unit: #03-14/15/16
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 12pm-1am | Sat 12pm-2am
Contact: 6734 6300 | Teo Heng KTV Studio website

4. iDarts X – Hit your mark from just $1/game

Image credit: Hafiq Hairuddin

We apologise for being crude, but there’s no bullsh*t when it comes to iDarts X, just bullseyes. You’ll find a modernised version of the pub game classic with their electronic dart boards that flash lights and graphics.

Online mode with an opponent from Japan.
Image credit: Hafiq Hairuddin

Now, you can play with your friends in a head-to-head match IRL, but you can also play an online match with someone from across the world. Plus, you don’t just get to see your international opponent’s scoreboard. The machines are equipped with a camera so you’ll be able to see your opponent during a match. Be a good sport and give them a wave.

Priced at $1/game per pax, this is a budget-friendly way to harness your inner competitive spirit with your kakis.

Rate: $1/game per pax 

Unit: #03-19
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 2pm-10pm | Sat-Sun 1pm-10pm
Contact: 9010 0044 | iDarts X website

5. Taoz Ceramics Studio – Sculpt & paint your very own mini cup 

Image adapted from: @taozceramicsstudio

If you’ve ever wanted to reenact that famous scene in Ghost, Taoz Ceramics Studio has pottery workshops from $45/pax where you can do so. Here, you’ll get to experience wheel throwing in the 30-minute session with a professional guide. 

Image credit: Taoz Ceramics

You’ll be given mud clay to work with to make bowls or even mini plant pots. Glaze is also provided so you can add colour to your ceramics. Your masterpiece will be ready for collection in 2-3 months’ time.

Book a pottery workshop at Taoz Ceramics Studio.

Price: From $45/pax

Unit: #04-16
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11am-8pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 8363 3930 | Taoz Ceramics Studio website

6. Whimsy – Old-school arcade with $10 for 55 tokens deals

When you’ve run out of options on where to hang out with friends, you can always rely on ol’ faithful – the arcade. Whimsy at JCube has all the classic games we used to play as kids such as Bishi Bashi, air hockey, and pinball machines to name a few.

Games here cost about 4 tokens each. But before you baulk at the price, you can get 55 tokens for just $10. With such a deal, we say go ahead and play every single game you can so you can rack up paper tickets to exchange for a variety of prizes. Up for grabs are snacks, watches, and portable bluetooth speakers. 

Unit: #02-11
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9.30pm | Sun 11am-10.45pm
Contact: Whimsy website

– Dining –

7. Big Fish Small Fish – Enjoy various fish & chips from $12.90

Image adapted from: @bigfishsmallfishsg

Dory, haddock, and halibut. No, these aren’t characters from Finding Nemo. But they are different types of fish that’s used to make fish and chips at Big Fish Small Fish. You can get your pick deep fried and served alongside mashed potatoes, turkey bacon mac and cheese, or pilaf rice (from $14.90).

If you’re dining with family, the Fisherman Sampler ($55.20) should satisfy plenty as it comes with 4 different types of fish and 3 full-sized sides of your choice.

P.S The next nearest Big Fish Small Fish outlet is at Bugis Junction. So Westies, you’ll want to make sure to get your fish and chips fix soon while it’s still close to home.

Unit: #03-07/08
Opening hours: 11am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 6904 3385 | Big Fish Small Fish website

8. OPPA Korean BBQ – Buffets from $18

Image adapted from: @chonlada.mayu

When you’re particular about the doneness of your meat, you’re better off grilling it on your own. You can do just that at OPPA Korean BBQ Buffet with their endless supply of beef ribs, marinated chicken, and pork belly slices. Complementing these are their limitless banchan or Korean side dishes such as kimchi, chicken wings, and tteokbokki. 

Price:
Adult: $18/pax (Weekday lunch) | $28/pax (Weekend lunch, daily dinner)
Child: $15/pax (Weekday lunch) | $24/pax (Weekend lunch, daily dinner)

Unit: #03-10
Opening hours: 11.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 9668 5841 | OPPA Korean BBQ Buffet Facebook

9. Devil Chicken Singapore – Taiwanese-style XXL chicken at $8.50

Image adapted from: 恶魔鸡排 Devil Chicken Singapore

When you don’t have time to sit down to chow, handheld munchies like fried chicken cutlets from Devil Chicken Singapore are the way to go. The Taiwanese-style XXL Chicken ($8.50) comes in original or spicy flavours. If you can take the heat, the spicy one comes in mild, normal, or fiery levels for the true daredevils out there.

Apart from chicken, there are other Taiwanese street snacks such as sweet potato balls, crispy chicken skin, and truffle fries at $5.50 each.

Address: #B1-K10
Opening hours: 12pm-9.30pm, Daily
Contact: 8126 6664 | Devil Chicken website

JCube’s closure in August 2023

Image credit: CapitaLand

The sudden announcement of JCube’s closure came as a shock to us Westies. Even though we’re sad to see it go, there’s still some time left to enjoy what the mall has to offer. Thankfully, Jurong East won’t be completely quiet with JEM, IMM, and WestGate still available for nights out in the heartlands.

For more things to do, check out: 

• New cafes & restaurants
• Things to do in March 
• Pilates studios in SG
• Sungei Road Flea Market

Cover image adapted from: @chonlada.mayu, Hafiq Hairuddin