::features::

[Ibiza of South East Asia? Possible?]

by Colin Ong, 16.07.01

 

Not so long ago, the idea of a full-scale beach party was thought to be unrealistic in Singapore’s clubbing scene. Logistics aside, getting the proper approval was though to be a hassle and nightmare. Not forgetting, having to convince party-goers that a a credible event could be organised on the beach. Rain or shine.

The world over, probably the best known beach parties have been in Ibiza and Ayia Napa. Such is the success of Ibiza that it has become an annual affair with ‘superclubs’ such as Cream Ministry Of Sound descending on its inhabitants. Commercially it has also spawned countless mix compilation claiming to represent the sound of Ibiza. Also, who can forget the irrepressible (unfortunately) hit by the Vengaboys – ‘We’re Going to Ibiza’. Even if you didn’t know where the island is, you would certainly have heard the name. Ayia Napa soon followed as an alternative sun-filled destination for clubbers. 

Space, Ibiza

 

Ayia Napa

Closer to home and a few hours flight away, we have Thailand’s Koh Phangan. Full moon raves have become a regular affair, with organisers using Griffith University’s publication ‘Moon Phases’ as reference for the party dates. Attracting a following from all corners of the world (at that includes Singapore), the event has since attracted high profile DJs such as Sven Vath. 

(left to right): Sven Vath at FMP, FMP Ravers

In Singapore, the location would be an issue. Convenient locations such as East Coast park are in close proximity to residential areas. The best alternative appeared to be Sentosa. Why Sentosa? For one thing, despite the slight inconvenience (of being offshore), promoters did not have to worry about the same restrictive hours nightspots faced on the main land (i.e. Mohd Sultan, Boat Quay, etc.). The main restriction would be on alcohol as PELU (Public Entertainment and Licensing Unit) imposes a ‘3am rule’. Besides, the island has had its share of parties hosted by the various pubs along the beach front.

It was only time before a large-scale one was going to be organised. The saturation of nightspots in town always meant that promoters had to offer something more. Often they ride on formulas and this has also seen several closing and being  quickly replaced by others.

Last year, Zouk’s management took a bold step in teaming up with TAC Promotions in organising Singapore’s first and biggest outdoor dance music event at Sentosa’s Siloso Beach. The Singapore Swing parties (along Orchard Road) of years ago and Millennium Eve’s Party at Orchard Road are still the biggest in our history. Then again, these weren’t with the same focus and interest. Zoukout was for the punters who throng the various nightspots on weekends. Perhaps it was fitting that Singapore’s first large-scale beach party was organised by the very same management that modeled their club’s interior after those in Ibiza.

The event saw about 13,000 people attending the 13 hour or so event. Featuring 2 arenas and 2 tents, music styles ranged from retro to rock to breaks to house to progressive to techno…. It was a boon to all hotels and resorts on the island as most had full bookings. Rooms gave some the comfort and convenience of recharging themselves. The sounds of Chris Coco, Dave Seaman, Christian Smith, Rocky & Diesel, Richie Hawtin (amongst others) as well as home grown talents, The Bushmen, Zouk resident DJs and Guerilla crew  ripped through the night’s air to cheers and screams

Panoramic view of Sentosa

Following the success of Zoukout, suddenly the island of Sentosa is geared up to develop itself as the Ibiza of South East Asia. All this amidst the impending Zoukout 2 that punters are looking forward to. Purple, organised by Sunserv as well as the monthly Black Moon parties are just some of the many being endorsed by Sentosa. They say that the best compliment is when someone copies you. Perhaps this is so, considering the long running and successful beach parties in neighbouring Koh Phangan. This has been a great turn since the days when foam parties organised by the various bars along the beach started to gain a high profile and to some extent, a bit of notoriety. Soon such parties became restricted and shifted to round-trips (to nowhere) on cruises.

Too much of a good thing can be bad. The key here is moderation. Considering Singapore’s clubbing population and the fact that a reasonably organised event may charge an average of $35 (excluding entry into Sentosa), wouldn’t it be an overkill? Take Sundown for example. Despite offering tickets at an affordable $10 each, the event was postponed (to September) just a week before the actual date. Some say this was due to poor response. Then again, Sundown was just one of a couple events on offer over a period of two weeks. All of a sudden, a venue once devoid of regular full scale events/parties for punters played host to Purple, Enroute2, Sandsation and Mahalo’s Quicksilver party. The risks are high and not only in monetary terms (Purple was reported to have been on a $250,000 budget). Such outdoor events are prone to the elements and require heavy insurance coverage. Inability to secure sufficient insurance cover was said to be a key factor in the cancellation of Spontaneous Combustion a few months back. Fire was the theme of their party. 
Black Moon @ Sentosa
One question also arises, does the success of the event relate to its credibility? This may be hard to define as often, the driving force behind it would ultimately be to make some money. The argument is, where does the priority lie? The audience or the money? Criticism of some of the events so far is that organisers seem to be trying to cash in. Yet, it would make sense to reach out with a concept that has proved successful. Note that it has been referred to as ‘reaching out’ in the sense that the priority is to provide for and ensure a good time for the audience. Money that is earned is of secondary concern. This is the measure of credibility as far as the punters go. This will no doubt be an ongoing debate but we should just bear in mind that these organisers are merely doing the same as any nightspot owner. They are all out to woo the punters with a concept, in this case, the novelty (if it could be called one) of beach parties.

Perhaps it is too soon to predict but, as mentioned before, the entertainment industry has seen concepts fail and often ‘abused’. Operations are large and small, and some claim to offer the alternative punters are looking for and some simply latch on to a formulaic concept. The consolation to promoters and organisers of these beach parties is that even Ibiza, Ayia Napa and Koh Phangan all built up their following over time. Rome wasn’t built in a day…….

Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan

We would like to suggest the following links for information on the various islands and parties. 

Koh Phangan                                    http://www.kohphangan.com/
Koh Phangan Full Moon Parties        http://www.thaisite.com/fullmoonparty/
Space, Ibiza                                       http://www.space-ibiza.com/
Ibiza99                                               http://www.ibiza99.com/index2.htm
Ibiza Chillout                                     http://www.ibiza-chillout.co.uk/
Ayia Napa                                         http://www.ayianapa.com/
Sentosa                                             http://www.sentosa.com.sg/
Black Moon                                       http://www.blackmoon.com.sg

All photos copyright of the respective owners. Space, Ibiza. Thaisite.com. Ayianapa.com. Sentosa Development Corporation. Black Moon

 

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