Jungle Ballroom I Photo by Star Sabroso
Singapore reigns as a top bar destination, drawing imbibers from across the globe eager to explore its vibrant scene. For those looking for a place to stay right in the heart of the action, Mondrian Singapore Duxton is the perfect choice. Nestled in Duxton Hill, one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods, this hotel boasts breathtaking views of the CBD skyline while overlooking the colorful historical shophouses of Chinatown.
Watch the video below for a sneak peek of the bar’s offerings:
With 302 rooms and suites, the property invites guests to indulge in a creative atmosphere highlighted by an impressive art collection featuring works from renowned artists like KAWS, Tracey Emin, Ian Davenport, and local talents such as Dawn Ng and André Wee. But before you head off to explore the bar scene, kick things off at their own trendy haunt, Jungle Ballroom.
Helmed by Adrian Besa and Akmal Haqim, Jungle Ballroom embraces the wild charm of the tropics in a polished setting with Southeast Asian aesthetics, lush interiors, and dramatic lighting. Their “Jungle Journeys Vol. 2” cocktail program is a passport to adventure, spotlighting bold Asian flavors and indigenous ingredients.
Guests can embark on a trip across Asian countries through an extensive cocktail menu inspired by Thailand, Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Malaysia, Macau, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore. Each drink, priced at SGD28, encapsulates the essence of its origin and promises a sensory exploration of each culture.
“From the aromatic spice markets of Jakarta to the herbal traditions of Siem Reap, every cocktail has a story,” Akmal explains. “We aimed to go beyond just ingredients; we focused on flavors that evoke a sense of place, using regional spirits, indigenous botanicals, and traditional techniques reinterpreted through a modern lens. Every sip is a chapter of this journey, transporting you to another city.”
The cocktail menu resembles a journal brimming with inspirations, notes, and flavor profiles. It takes guests on a journey from Bangkok, spotlighting its iconic mango sticky rice, to the local markets and ancient temples of Siem Reap. Adrian’s hometown of Manila also makes a heartfelt appearance, featuring nostalgic flavors inspired by his childhood and beloved local street food. This thoughtfully curated selection reflects the team’s profound respect for the traditions and innovations of the regions they celebrate. With 16 cocktails available, guests can choose from tall or short drinks, with low to high ABV options catering to every preference.
Guests can start with the refreshing ‘To Gather’ highball, inspired by the vibrant Gwangjang Market—one of Seoul’s oldest traditional street markets in Jongno District. This easy-to-drink cocktail embodies Korea’s urban bar scene, featuring a blend of vodka and soju infused with the refreshing flavors of strawberry and ginger.
The Espresso Martini-style’ Java’ is a must-try for those who prefer something bolder. Inspired by the team’s trip to Bali, where they visited the Spice Islands Distilling Co., this drink features East Indies Bali Pomelo Pink Gin, which showcases Indonesian botanicals and is authentically distilled in small batches in a handmade 550-liter copper still. The drink is complemented by Nusantara Cold Brew liqueur and topped with orange cream.
A unique offering is ‘Akmal’s Biryani,’ inspired by Hyderabad, India—the birthplace of this iconic rice dish. This refreshing drink is crafted with tequila, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, a special Jungle Ballroom spice blend, and infused with flavors of papaya and banana. It’s a surprising fusion that brings the essence of Hyderabad to your glass.
They also pay homage to Filipino flavors with the drink called “Kanto,” a Tagalog word that translates to “corner,” typically referring to the corner of a street. In Filipino culture, the term is often associated with lively street life, where local vendors and food stalls gather at street corners. Inspired by the beloved Filipino snack, Banana Que, often sold by street vendors, this cocktail is made with Bacardi Carta Negra, salted caramel banana, popcorn, and chocolate.
For those seeking to pair drinks with bar bites, guests can enjoy curried samosas with mango chutney (SGD 16) or opt for crispy vegetarian spring rolls (SGD 16) for a satisfying crunch. A must-try is the moreish truffle fries (SGD 16), which are perfectly fried and go well with the drinks. Order Korean fried chicken (SGD 22) or grilled beef meatballs (SGD 28) for heartier options.
Open from Wednesday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am, Jungle Ballroom also offers a tempting Happy Hour from 6pm to 9pm, where guests can savor the Cocktails of the Month, along with a variety of wines and beers. But the fun goes beyond food and drinks; the tropical bar features a complete experience, showcasing rotating guest bartenders from all over the world and a curated DJ lineup that keeps the energy high.
Jungle Ballroom is located at Level 3, Mondrian Singapore Duxton, 16A Duxton Hill, Singapore, and is accessible from street level via Mirror Tunnel. Reserve your seats via +65 6019 6005 or email [email protected]. Visit their official page for more information.
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