The West side has been the brunt of many “ulu” themed jokes but perhaps the tables have turned as Choa Chu Kang is now arguably one of the coolest kids on the block. Much like the classmate who had an SPI kids bag and roller shoes, CCK now has a brand new SAFRA facility complete with an infinity pool, karaoke rooms, and a bouncy castle playground.
While not everything is open just yet, there are already a handful of activities and eateries that are now open for visitors, including non-SAFRA members. Plus, we hear a spa, climbing gym, and cyber cafe will be opening soon. Here are some of the activities we checked out during our visit:
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Cool infinity pools aren’t only found in hotels. In fact, you can find one of the prettiest pools around at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang. SAFRA members and up to 3 accompanying guests have to pack their swimwear along for a dip in the 50m lap pool, complete with an edge that’s made of glass for unobstructed views – even underwater.
Enjoy the in-pool deck chairs and shallow kids’ pool. Oh, and the whole thing is sheltered so to quote Dory from Finding Nemo, you can “just keep swimming”, rain or shine.
At the integrated Sonic Bowl and Paradise Now, everyone can find something they enjoy doing, whether it’s karaoke, darts, or bowling. This facility is an amalgamation of some of our local favourite pastimes – and the best part is prices are rather affordable.
Songbirds, know that you can croon your hearts out from $22/hour in the Deluxe Room if you’re a SAFRA member or student. Since this room fits up to 8 pax, that’s $2.75/hour per person. Non-members have to top up a little but still can enjoy great rates from $26/hour. Only 3 karaoke rooms are available here to be sure to book in advance.
Next to that is a 16-lane bowling alley (from $3.50/game for Sonic Bowlers, $5/game for the public) that can be converted into a live music stage. But that’s not even the coolest feature – each lane here has an “interactive bowling” feature which means you get cool animated projection on the floor while playing.
Bowling lanes with lane projections in the VIP room.
Not to mention, there’s also a private VIP room (from $700/2 hours) you can book for parties and reunions. We’re talking 2 full-sized bowling lanes, large dining tables, and even a karaoke system.
Karaoke booth in the VIP room.
End your day with darts (from $1.20/game) or have a go at some of the arcade machines hidden at the far end of the establishment.
Run, don’t walk – or actually, maybe bounce to this new indoor playground that has tall slides, kids’ parkour wall, and inflatable swings. Westies no longer have to travel to VivoCity to let their kids hop freely at Bouncetopia.
Remember those 2023 new year new me goals? Yeah we don’t either. But Choa Chu Kang residents may have a new wave of motivation with the largest EnergyOne gym at SAFRA. Apart from dedicated areas for functional, cardio and strength training, there’s also an MMA ring where you can pick up self defence.
Visit without having to commit to a gym membership with day passes from $8.65 (SAFRA member) or $12.96 (guest).
Else, you can always head to the 4th floor to jog along the free 150m-long Sky Running Track.
Image credit: SAFRA
To top it all off, there’s also a new rock climbing gym by Climb Central, spa, cyber cafe, games rooms, and BBQ pits coming soon.
Burger King drive-thru.
Hungry at midnight? There’s a Burger King drive-thru here that opens till 2am daily, plus a McDonald’s drive-thru that’s located right outside the main entrance of SAFRA Choa Chu Kang. Both also offer dine-in if you prefer a sit-down meal after your workout or swim.
McDonald’s drive-thru.
Nothing hits like burger and fries but if you’re looking for something a little healthier, the aesthetic Food Paradise has nosh like Mentaiko Salmon Bowl ($11.90), Creamy Butter Chicken Rice ($9.90), and Batang Fish Soup ($8.50) to dive into.
Also find Halal grub at Syed Cafe, adorned with botanical decor and furnished with comfy cushioned seats. They’ve got Tikka Combos ($29.90) and seafood bundles (from $68/2pax) that’ll be great for a hearty family dinner.
Brunch calls at not Holland Village, not Joo Chiat, but Camo Cafe & Bar. Get a hit of army lingo with the quirkily named Camo Brunch (Fall In!) Platter ($19.80), Otah Own Target ($18.80) and Don’t Smoke Me ($17.80) – which comes with smoked salmon and sourdough.
Front to back: Camo Brunch (Fall In!) Platter, Carbonara ($16.80), Tiramisu Crepe ($5.80), and Camo Bullet-proof Coffee ($6.50).
In the never-ending debate of East vs West, the West may take the cake here with the new SAFRA Choa Chu Kang. Even as an Eastie, it’s well worth the 1.5h commute. If you ever need to plan an outing with friends, here’s where you can find everything from karaoke to drive-thrus.
For more things to do in the West:
Photography by Emilyn Cheng.
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