Best places to blow off steam for men
When axe-throwing, an art jam, or belting out a power ballad in public is the best kind of therapy
[SINGAPORE] In a city that moves at breakneck speed, carving out space to let loose with your boys is not just a luxury – it’s essential maintenance. Whether you’re a high-strung, high-flyer in finance or a manic creative, here are seven spots across Singapore where you can reconnect with yourself and your mates.
Axe Factor
There’s something incredibly satisfying – and oddly meditative – about hurling a steel axe at a wooden target. Whether you’re battling burnout or bonding with the boys, Axe Factor channels your inner lumberjack/Viking in a safe competitive setting.
2 Gunner Lane, #02-04/05 Mess Hall Sentosa (Blk 17), Singapore 099567 Tel: 8923 8945 axefactor.com.sg
HomeTeamNS
Playgrounds aren’t just for kids – HomeTeamNS has grown-up versions for men who want to sweat, scream and strategise. From Action Motion (a gamified obstacle arena with scoring sensors) and Adventure HQ (featuring Singapore’s longest indoor slide and aerial obstacle course), to TactSim (a realistic tactical simulator for airsoft-style missions) and even a paintball arena, the facilities are all about high-energy bonding.
“Through the missions and challenges, [players] get to create new memories with friends,” says Ang Han Wee, assistant director of business development. “For NS cohesion groups, it’s about reuniting and reliving shared memories in a new, dynamic setting.”
Multiple locations including Bedok Reservoir, Bukit Batok and Khatib; refer to website for details hometeamns.sg
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Friday, 2 pm
Lifestyle
Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself.
Red Dynasty Paintball Park
Suit up, lock and load. Paintball isn’t just a shoot-and-run game; it’s tactical, intense and surprisingly therapeutic. “While action and strategy are big draws, it’s really the camaraderie that keeps male players coming back,” says founder Benjamin Seow. “It’s a way to switch off and be in the moment with friends.”
Orchid Country Club, 1 Orchid Club Road, Singapore 769162 Tel: 6659 4782 weplaypaintball.com
Sandbox VR
Strap on a VR headset, haptic vests, motion capture trackers and even prop guns – you’ll step into immersive, multi-sensory worlds from haunted houses to alien worlds. “Surviving a zombie apocalypse together makes you feel bonded,” says Michael Hampden, Sandbox’s senior vice-president of content and creative director. “For many men, it’s a rare space where play, presence, and camaraderie intersect – and that’s powerful.
181 Orchard Road, #05-31/32 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896. Tel: 9832 5988 sandboxvr.com
Splat Paint House
Channel your inner Pollock in this splatter-art studio where expression gets messy – you’re encouraged to toss, flick or drip paint across your canvas any way you like. Think of it as an emotional release with a creative twist, whether you’re de-stressing solo or with your band of brothers.
207a Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574346 Tel: 8882 0839 splatpainthouse.com
The Fragment Room
Singapore’s first rage room (it opened in 2017) lets you smash glassware, plates, electronics and furniture to your heart’s content. Release that pent-up aggression in a safe space, then leave lighter (and maybe a little sweatier). “For conservative men, the norm is to ‘man up’. Eventually that boils over – often into vices,” says Ian Chew, co-owner. “We offer an alternative. The ones who go all out – screaming or crying – do feel better in general.”
490 MacPherson Rd, Singapore 368198 Tel: 6970 0343 thefragmentroom.com
VOS Men
Not into smashing or sweating? How about some harmony over havoc – VOS Men is an all-male vocal group that’s redefining masculinity through music. “The choir provides a rare opportunity for men to embrace their feelings openly,” says founder Justin Goh. “Our recent overseas competition in KL gave members a chance to bond while representing Singapore.” Think of it as group therapy, but with better acoustics.
Auditions by appointment vos.menschoir@gmail.com or instagram.com/vos.menschoir
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
