Getaway Places

Out of ideas on where to hold that special retreat or meeting? Challenge presents a cheat sheet of venues run by the Public Service.

Central

Botanic Gardens

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A magnificent garden dating back to 1859, this is a beautiful place to relax and unwind into nature’s tender arms. In addition to flora and fauna, there are also unique facilities for rent, such as Burkill Hall, a British colonial bungalow built in 1866. Renovated and currently used as an exclusive venue for weddings and special occasions, it is the perfect place to hold a quiet, intimate retreat. Burkill Hall overlooks the National Orchid Garden, adding to its natural splendour. Also amidst the lush greenery, the Function Hall is available for use, equipped with an in-built audio-visual (AV) system.

National Museum

A cultural and architectural icon of Singapore, the National Museum provides a range of facilities which cater to different types of events. One example is the Glass Atrium, an architectural marvel with huge, beautiful glass walls and a glass passage which allows guests to see the exterior of the atrium. The 694 sq m space can hold large-scale banquets. Guests will have an unforgettable experience.

*SCAPE

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Located in the heart of Orchard Road, *SCAPE is the representation of vibrant youth today. Just like versatile young people, *SCAPE offers an array of “flexible” venues. Take Gallery, for example – 2,100 sq ft of empty space that you can customise into whatever you want – seminars, meetings or retreat activities; the only limit is your imagination.

Civil Service Club: Tessensohn

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This iconic clubhouse for the Civil Service Club is located on the fringe of the city centre. A major facelift has given Tessensohn a new breath of life since March 2011. It offers an array of sports facilities like badminton, tennis and a 20-lane bowling centre, most suited for corporate games. For corporate functions, Tessensohn has rooms of varied sizes for meeting, training and workshop needs. There is also an auditorium with AV and sound equipment that can accommodate 188 persons.

  • Plus Point: Conveniently located, near town and within walking distance to Farrer Park MRT station
  • Address: 60 Tessensohn Road S(217664)
  • Contact: 6391 5613
  • Email: events@csc.sg
  • Website: http://www.csctessensohn.sg/

North

Republic Polytechnic

With an array of modern facilities catering to students of the 21st century, the campus opened in 2006. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, the polytechnic has become a cultural landmark in the north of Singapore. Among the most intriguing facilities are the Agora Halls, fully-carpeted, air-conditioned exhibition halls which can accommodate up to 500 people each, for banquets and retreats. Two halls can be merged to take up to 1,000 people.

Singapore Sports School

The only school in Singapore dedicated to developing talents for sports, this venue is equipped with an air-conditioned auditorium, theatrette and meeting rooms. If you want to stay overnight during your retreat, the school provides hostel facilities from dormitories to studio apartments available during scheduled school holidays.

South

SAFRA Mount Faber

Located amidst the serene natural environment of Mt Faber, this SAFRA club has three function rooms for a variety of uses. The Crystal and Diamond Rooms can cater for small team meetings and seminars for 30 people, or be reconfigured to host larger corporate events for up to 150 persons. The ballroom is suitable for banquets for up to 300 persons.

East

Outward Bound Singapore Reception Centre (Punggol)

lf you fancy a peaceful night by the sea singing songs while having a barbecue, this place is ideal. RC Punggol is alongside the Punggol Point Jetty. Great for a corporate retreat on a budget. Here you can find a community hall, air-conditioned classroom, BBQ area with two pits and an open campsite. Other facilities include public car parks, restrooms, showers and soft drink vending machines.

West

Biopolis

A scientific facility located at onenorth, a business development park, Biopolis focuses on research and development for biotechnology. Aside from scientific activities, there are facility services for the public, including 10 meeting rooms fully equipped with a conference table, chairs, writing panels and AV equipment. It has five theatrettes that can accommodate 170 to 340 guests, as well as a foyer and a 600 sq m multi-purpose open area.

Civil Service Club: Bukit Batok

The newest addition to the clubhouses run by the Civil Service Club, this one, opened in 2007, offers a lot of facilities, from a huge signature two-tier swimming pool to a 24-lane bowling centre. There are also facilities for corporate events, meetings or retreats, including an elaborate ballroom for functions.

  • Plus Point: A respite from the city’s concrete jungle with fairly new facilities
  • Address: 91 Bukit Batok West Avenue 2 S(659206)
  • Contact: 6391 5613
  • Email: events@csc.sg
  • Website: http://www.cscbukitbatok.sg

HortPark

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HortPark is part of the Southern Ridges, a series of parks south of Singapore. The park is a gardening hub which brings together recreation, education and research. The park is popular with family, nature enthusiasts, and people who crave a serene environment. It hosts a Butterfly Garden set up in 2009 to breed butterfly species that are vulnerable to urbanisation. HortPark also has multiple facilities such as meeting rooms in many different sizes for 25 to 50 people. For a team-building activity, the HortLawn, an outdoor area of 800 sq m, is available, accommodating up to 600 people.

National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI)

NACLI, under the People’s Association, offers an excellent place for patrons to relax and feel as if they’re on holiday. The facility offers a resort-like ambience with overnight accommodation for 164 people. NACLI also offers training and conference facilities, halls and an auditorium.

  • POSTED ON
    May 25, 2012
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