Even though sports may not be up some of our alleys, bowling is an activity that anyone can participate in and enjoy, especially for those of us who constantly shun the sun or cannot live without aircon.
If you want to get off your butts and burn some calories without breaking too much of a sweat, bowling is the perfect compromise between a fun group activity and a super intense workout at the gym.
Here are some affordable bowling alleys in Singapore you can visit with your friends and family for a ball of a time.
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We all know how difficult it can be to score a perfect strike at bowling. Though it all boils down to practice at the end of the day, there are a couple of tips that you can do to help improve your chances of knocking down the pins and flexing your score on IG.
Before we get into the swing of bowling, pick a ball that isn’t too heavy to grip nor too light that it’s too easy to throw the ball. A general rule is that your bowling ball shouldn’t be more than 10% of your body weight.
Additionally, pay attention to the fit of the finger holes. The fit should be snug enough to prevent your thumb from slipping out too easily.
Most of us stare down the bowling pins at the end of the alley when aiming, but take a look at the 7 arrow markers on the lane instead. Righties should aim for the arrow to the right of the middle arrow, while lefties should target the arrow left to the centre.
This is because opting for a direct shot toward the centre often leads to splits. By aiming slightly off-centre, you increase the likelihood of getting a strike.
Besides building up your muscle strength and stretching, the simplest way to prevent injury would be to wear a wrist brace. This will help lock and hold your wrist in place so you won’t need to worry about accidentally overly flexing your wrists. You can also consider using a bowling glove or tape to give you a better grip on the ball. And, of course, remember to stay hydrated!
For those of us looking for an affordable leisure activity to spend precious Saturday afternoons, you can enjoy cheap rates at Planet Bowl for as low as $14/hour if you sign up for their membership. This cozy 20-lane bowling alley was refurbished, so you can enjoy the swanky new lanes and scoring systems during your gameplay.
Most of us can agree that bowling is a safe sport for all ages, and it’s a fun game to play with your ah ma and ah gong. Forte Bowl offers a Silver Citizen Package at $9.90 for 4 games, where those aged 55 and above can enjoy this fab deal. Plus, there will be free rental of bowling shoes for them too.
Otherwise, students below age 21 pay $3-$5.50/game, and adults pay $3.50-$5.50/game too – affordable compared to flashier downtown alleys when you just want to hit a few pins.
With LED and neon light features synced to music for special events, Gallop Bowl brings you yet another epic cosmic bowling experience starting from just $4.50/game for the public and $3/game for Civil Service Club members.
Previously known as Changi Resort Bowl, this bowling centre in Civil Service Club @ Changi boasts plush sofas that you can lounge around on while snacking on finger food from their cafe.
From 9am-6pm on weekdays, Westwood Bowl offers some of the cheapest bowling rates for students and Civil Service Club members – at just $2.80/game, that’s less than the price of a Starbucks drink!
Image credit: CSC Bukit Batok
Jio your friends to relieve some after-school or work stress and knock some pins down at this 24-lane bowling alley. Meanwhile, corporate or birthday events can be booked at an hourly rate of $20/lane on weekdays.
Conveniently located in Kallang Leisure Mall, Kallang Bowl has 22 lanes for both competitive and non-competitive bowlers to choose from.
This bowling alley – with bumper lanes, interactive screen displays, and a cafe – is the perfect venue for bowling events, birthday parties, and date nights with your bb. If you’re up for more activities after, there’s also a skating rink and movie theatre just a level above.
SuperBowl boasts 8 locations spread across the island, so you can defo find one near you – whether you live in the East or West. And if you were planning to have a team bonding sesh at a bowling alley, you’ll be glad to know that SuperBowl is open to hosting corporate events that can accommodate up to 150 players in one game. Their alleys also have lanes equipped with bumpers so little ones below 10 years old can join in the fun.
Full list of SuperBowl outlets
Image credit: Singapore Bowling
Head on down to Singapore Bowling @ Rifle Range for a game and you may just bump into our national bowlers who train here regularly! But don’t be paiseh if you’re not as athletically inclined; there are a whopping 38 lanes in this huge bowling alley so you will have plenty of room for your own attempts. They also offer coaching courses should you ever express interest in learning bowling more seriously.
Sonic Bowl takes bowling to a whole new level with its SAFRA Choa Chu Kang branch. Their VIP room features 2 full-sized interactive bowling lanes along with a dart machine and karaoke system, providing you with a one-stop destination for a casual night out.
Alternatively, parents can explore alternative branches of Sonic Bowl such as the one at Our Tampines Hub, which offers a more child-friendly option. They offer lightweight balls at no additional cost.
Full list of Sonic Bowl outlets
Image credit: Orchid Bowl
Orchid Country Club in Yishun is a familiar name thanks to their famous golf course. But feel free to also check out Orchid Bowl for some 10-pin bowling fun. Set at the Recreation Clubhouse on Level 2, this bowling club caters to both newbies and pros who hold championship games here.
You might have seen this place on your friend’s Instagram Story and thought it was a club. But no, this neon light-filled spot is actually K Bowling Club, a cosmic-themed bowling alley.
Groove to pop music as you bowl a strike or two. If you’re feeling peckish, feel free to order a pizza (from $18) or a cheeky cocktail (from $19) from their in-house restaurant. And when you’ve had your fill, consider checking out the dart board, arcade games, pool tables, and KTV booths – you’ll find that activities are aplenty here.
Image credit: Jerald Kng via Google Maps
When it comes to affordable bowling centres in Singapore, Starbowl at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok is a reliable choice. Rates start at $2.20/game for members, senior citizens, and students, and from $2.80 for the general public on weekdays during non-peak hours.
This depends on how frequently you go bowling. As bowling requires repeated throwing, your wrists can potentially become more susceptible to wrist aches or injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Other common bowling-related injuries include elbow strains and shoulder tendonitis, which can be caused by muscle strain and inflammation due to these repetitive movements.
Yes, especially if you are renting bowling shoes from the alley themself. Most bowling alleys also sell socks for bowling shoes at about $2/pair. If you’re wearing your own bowling shoes, it’s not necessary to wear socks. But, it’s still advisable to, as they prevent your feet from slipping within the shoes.
Bowling in Singapore has become accessible and affordable over the years – so there’s really no reason why we shouldn’t unglue ourselves from our sedentary lifestyles and get active. And as a bonus, these places also provide shoe rental and socks too. So round up your homies for an adrenaline-pumped day minus sweaty gym rats and pricey gym memberships.
Cover image adapted from: Xin Hao via Google Maps
Originally posted on 5th September 2017. Last updated by Mae-Z Fam on 2nd March 2024.
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