The Trip – Drug-based escape room in Bugis

Escape room options in Singapore are a dime a dozen, with themes ranging from spine-chilling horrors to mind-bending fantasies. But a drug-themed escape room pop-up that’s also completely free? Now that’s something you don’t see every day.

From 28th February to 6th March 2025, head down to Stamford Arts Centre for The Trip: What Happened in Larspura?, a limited-time experience that’s more than just cracking codes. It invites you to put yourself in the shoes of someone facing tough choices, where the stakes aren’t just about escaping a room but much higher, as you’ll have to confront real-world issues.

What is The Trip: What Happened in Larspura?

Mystery enthusiasts will love this plot – months ago, you were supposed to go on a trip with your school friends but had to miss it when life got in the way. You’ve heard rumours about what went down in Larspura, a fictional island where your friends spent their time, and how your friend Ben hasn’t been the same since. And now, it’s your turn to play detective, with the help of clues littered throughout 3 rooms.

3 key rooms to look forward to

You don’t have to complete all 3 rooms or follow a fixed sequence, but as a fellow kiasu Singaporean, you bet I’m signing up for the full experience. With limited slots available, it’s too good a deal to pass up.

1. The Birthday Party

Image credit: Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore

If you’ve felt the pressure from friends to do something you weren’t sure about, The Birthday Party will surely hit close to home. This room will take you through Ben’s house where you’ll explore 4 different areas – the living room, bedroom, toilet, and kitchen. It’s an interactive experience where you’ll also engage with NPCs.

Your task will be to help figure out the truth behind what really happened during the trip, by chatting with these characters and piecing together the clues. As you interact with them, you’ll realise how peers can influence your decisions, whether through their actions or inaction.

Image credit: Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore

We won’t be revealing too much for now. After all, the fun lies in uncovering the surprises yourself. One thing’s for sure – you’ll want to reflect on the type of friends you have and the type you are to others after exiting the room.

2. Ben’s Brain

Image credit: Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore

The second room, Ben’s Brain, brings you face-to-face with his journey, including how a series of small choices snowballed into a struggle with addiction. Solve 4 puzzles to unlock key moments from Ben’s life, like the first time he tried drugs or the breakup that pushed him deeper into his addiction. Look forward to interesting props like an arcade game machine which you’ll also get to play to help Ben remember what he loved.

There will be audio and video clips that add to the atmosphere, immersing you and your friends further into the story. Make sure to pay close attention to the clips, as these will be clues to help you piece together fragments of Ben’s memories.

3. Operation Larspura

Image credit: Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore

Operation Larspura is the final room that might be the most exciting. It’s decked out to look like a lab, transporting you to a world that pulls you deeper into the narrative.

Image credit: Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore

Your group will step into the role of undercover agents, which sounds like plenty of fun, but don’t forget your mission. You’ll have to dig into the bigger picture by solving puzzles that disclose a fictional corporation’s attempts to market and legalise drugs in Singapore.

Gather clues to expose the hidden tactics used by marketing, media, and pharmaceutical lobbying to influence societal attitudes towards drugs.

Hands-on activities as the finale 

Image credit: Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore

The adventure doesn’t end when you’ve successfully escaped the rooms. Game masters on-site will host a debrief session in another interactive space, where you can take part in hands-on activities that help you cut through the surface and ponder on your takeaways from the experience.

You’ll also receive a special bag charm as long as you’ve completed 1 escape room, 1 post-escape room activity, and 1 post-event survey.

Prepare yourself for The Trip of a lifetime

Image credit: Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore

The Trip: What Happened in Larspura? is open to individuals aged 13 and above, so jio your friends and put your teamwork to the test. Remember to come dressed in comfortable clothes and shoes since you’ll be moving around and getting hands-on with the puzzles.

Each room takes about 30 minutes and it’s not mandatory to complete all 3 rooms – feel free to just sign up for 1 with your friends if that’s more your vibe. Walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability.

Slots are getting snapped up fast – if you didn’t manage to secure one, stay tuned to @iamuninfluenced on Instagram for all the post-event content. And if you’ve already gotten a slot, lucky you. But if plans change, do the right thing and cancel so someone else gets a shot at the experience.

Book a slot for The Trip escape room experience

Admission: Free
Date: 28th February-6th March 2025
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-9pm | Sat & Sun 10am-9pm
Address: 155 Waterloo Street, Stamford Arts Centre, Singapore 187962

This post was brought to you by the Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore.
Cover image adapted from: Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore