Quiz-crawl your way through Singapore

Photo credit: SG Tipsy Trivia

Singaporeans are known for their wit and competitive spirit (what locals call ‘kiasu’, which means to be ‘afraid to lose’). But they also know how to have fun while having a little friendly competition — which makes Singapore the ultimate breeding ground for some of the best pub quizzes and trivia nights in the region! So, if you’re in town and find yourself wandering the brightly-lit streets of Singapore for a spot to hang out at night, check out some of the local gems below.

Charlie’s: Way to blow off steam on Boat Quay

Take in the scenic Singapore skyline from Charlie’s while having fun at Trivia Night. Photo credit: Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar

From general knowledge about culture and sports to naming five different tunes that are played all at once, jump right in to Trivia Nights at Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar! We’re talking adrenaline-kicking competition, like bonus rounds where one wrong answer means you forfeit all the points you’ve racked up before.

Trivia Night is held every Monday, 7:30pm to 9:00pm, and anyone can join. Just call ahead of time to be sure the season is ongoing (and to reserve a spot). Who knows? You could be the next winner to get a couple of beer buckets or $200 off your tab — perfect for a fun and exciting night out.

Join the seasonal championship and stand to have your team name eternally engraved on the pub’s wall of fame when you emerge as the ultimate champion! Photo credit: Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar

Address: 32 Boat Quay, Singapore 049821

Get to Boat Quay early so you can head to the Asian Civilisations Museum to get a peek into 5,000 years of Asian cultures through the daily guided tours and permanent exhibitions. When you’re done, grab a dessert or smoothie and rest your feet at Neko No Niwa, a cosy café that houses 13 rescued kittens! 

Prince of Wales: An evening of quizzes for the night owls

Nestled in the heart of Little India, Prince of Wales is a backpacker’s oasis; it’s a hostel, a bar and restaurant, and a hot spot for pub quizzes every Wednesday, 8:00pm to 10:00pm!

The vibe here is more relaxed, so don’t expect cufflinks and freshly starched dress shirts in this dive bar. Photo credit: Prince of Wales

There’s not a lot of space, so come early to get good seats! Photo credit: Prince of Wales

Hosted by ’The Singapore Quizmaster’ (who has been hosting quizzes for close to a decade!), let his upbeat demeanour and charming sense of humour put you at ease — and your mind to work. Whether you’re a social butterfly keen to meet fellow travellers, or travelling alone, don’t be shy about forming teams with the others in the bar for a game of wits. You may just end up with a new friend for the night too! 

Address: 101 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209420 

If you arrive early, fill your Instagram feed with snaps of the brightly painted Tan Teng Niah building,  which is one of the last Chinese villas in Little India. And if you find yourself lingering after a trivia night of fun, get a taste of the local neighbourhood at the 24-hour shopping mall, Mustafa Centre, where you can find all things from electronics to fashion accessories.

SG Tipsy Trivia: How well do you know the little Red Dot?

Everybody watches Hollywood, and who doesn’t know the in-and-outs of the Royal family? But how well do you know the soul of Singapore? Whether it’s your first time here, or you’ve visited enough to know what goes on in the tropical island, give yourself a challenge and delve into all things Singapore at SG Tipsy Trivia. Fret not, there’s international trivia too!

Tip: Quizzes are half Singapore-themed and half international-themed, so come prepared! Photo credit: SG Tipsy Trivia

Usually hosted on the last Thursday of each month, the trivia night jumps from one location to another, so check their Facebook page regularly for updates on event details and sign up online (trivia nights are almost always full-house!). Registration begins at 7.30pm and there’s a $5 participation fee (per person), but fret not, there’s a chance for the ultimate trivia champion and runner-up teams to earn it back.

P.S. Even if you’re not one for quizzes, SG Tipsy Trivia is a great place to meet locals and ask for tips on what to do when you’re in town. 

While the nightlife of Singapore runs the gamut of extremes, from casual outings to nights out in the upscale, strict-dress-code only clubs in Clarke Quay, one thing’s for certain: the pub quizzes you find in Singapore are mind-boggling and entertaining at the same time. So, if you feel like putting your general knowledge to the test, you know where to go. Besides, you know what they say about friendly competitions — one less enemy, one more kindred spirit!