A tourist returning to Singapore after several years was left visibly disappointed when he asked locals: “Golden Mile and Orchard Towers gone where?” He had been looking forward to revisiting the two once-infamous spots, only to discover that the nightlife scene he remembered had all but vanished.
Golden Mile Complex was once a hive of activity, especially after dark, with Thai discos, karaoke lounges, and eateries that attracted both locals and foreigners seeking late-night entertainment. Orchard Towers, on the other hand, carried the notorious nickname of the “Four Floors of Services,” known internationally as a hotspot for bars, clubs, and adult nightlife.
But much to the tourist’s dismay, both places have since undergone drastic changes, with their nightlife scenes essentially wiped out.
Golden Mile Redeveloped, Orchard Towers Quiet
Golden Mile Complex, which stood proudly along Beach Road since the 1970s, was sold en bloc in 2022. Once buzzing with nightlife and cheap eats, the building has since been cleared out for redevelopment, leaving only memories for those who frequented its after-hours venues.
Orchard Towers, too, has lost its once-notorious reputation. Over the past few years, government clampdowns on vice-related activities and stricter licensing rules gradually forced many of the nightclubs and bars to shut their doors. Today, the building feels more like a quiet shopping centre than the neon-lit hotspot it used to be.
Singapore’s Nightlife Scene Moving Elsewhere
The tourist’s reaction highlights how quickly Singapore’s entertainment landscape can change. While Golden Mile and Orchard Towers once stood as symbols of late-night revelry, their decline shows the city’s push toward urban renewal and a safer nightlife environment.
Still, for travellers seeking excitement after dark, Singapore hasn’t gone quiet — nightlife has simply shifted to other areas such as Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and the many rooftop bars that now dominate the skyline. Unfortunately for this tourist, the nostalgic experience of Golden Mile and Orchard Towers is gone for good.