Asia’s biggest electronic dance music showdown is back in the Merlion city. Last year, the festival saw its largest turnout, with approximately 23,000 attendees from all over the world. This year, it will once again be stretching across the artificial sandy shores of Siloso Beach at Singapore tourist spot, Sentosa, on Dec 13.

This year’s event is going to kick off two hours earlier (6pm) giving ZoukOut fanatics the chance to enjoy the sunset while listening to a special performance by local band Moods. They’re just one of a stellar line up of performers. Some, like acid house legend Sasha, are making a return this year, while others like the French synth-pop band The Teenagers, electronic idol Erol Alkan and the punk electro Canadians MSTRKRFT (pronounced Master Craft) will be making their Zouk debut. Hip hop fans also won’t be disappointed with DJ Yoda on the decks alongside Zouk resident DJ’s Aldrin, Hong and DJB while French collective, Nouvelle Vague, will add to the beach ambience with their bossa and Caribbean inspired tunes.

Zouk isn’t just about the music, you can also be entertained by a variety of side events like carnival rides, drumming lessons, massages and art installations by emerging Singaporean artists.

Essentials

Tickets
Book them in advance for $48 (B1,127) or pay $58 (B1,362) on the day. Visit www.zoukout.com, www.sistic.com.sg or call +65 6738-2988 (Tue-Sat 10-3am) for reservations.

HOW TO GET THERE
Rates are for that weekend. Subject to change.

Air Asia
02-515-9999, www.airasia.com.
Around B5,000 roundtrip

Tiger Airways
02-649-9688, www.tigerairways.com.
Around B6,945 roundtrip

Singapore Airlines
02-353-6000, www.singaporeair.com.
Around B9,230 roundtrip

Thai Airways
02-545-1000, www.thaiair.com.
Around B12,000 roundtrip

WHERE TO STAY
Book these hotels through www.octopustravel.com.sg to get special deals during the ZoukOut Festival.

Grand Copthorne Waterfront
392 Havelock Rd., 65-6733-0880.
As you would expect from a business-centric hotel it features a blend of obliging guest services, state-of-the-art business, sports and leisure facilities. It also happens to be right next door to Zouk club. Standard room rates start at B8,640.

New Majestic Hotel
31-37 Bukit Pasoh Rd., +65 6222 3377. www.newmajestichotel.com.
Located in Chinatown, this prewar building caters to the ultimate design buff with 30 distinctive rooms ingeniously conceived by local artists. Standard room rates start at B7,034.

The Scarlet Hotel
33 Erskine Rd., +65 6511-3333. www.thescarlethotel.com.
Converted from a merchant house and a Art Deco building from the early 1900s, this luxurious boutique hotel oozes opulence and elegance. Standard room rates start from B5,392.

Hangout @ Mt Emily
10A Upper Wilkie Rd., +65 6438-5588. www.hangouthotels.com.
With a motto of “No Frills, Just Fun,” it is still recommended for its hip rooms. This is a good option for the budget traveler as you can either rent a room or just a bed and they’ll donate a dollar to charity. Standard room rates from B3,516.