TIGER TIGER $$

Tiger Tiger aka King Tiger Tiger, is the backpacker bar of choice. It’s invariably packed while other bars nearby sit abandoned and forlorn. Why? Once you get past the al fresco setting by the street you’re in a full-on dance club that plays music the under-30s really want to hear and move to. It’s that simple.

Sure, there are countless specials and a 5:30pm – 9:30pm ( Buy 1 get 1 Free) Happy Hour that includes a free drink on entry. It’s likely the sheer robust life of the place is bound to be a magnet for passers-by as well. But, in the end, it’s the music that makes all the difference.

Tiger Tiger set its tone not long ago with the following promotion: “The first 6 people to strip to their underwear and do the ice bucket challenge will receive FREE BUCKETS ALL NIGHT! Go on… Read the T-shirt!” (The bar’s slogan printed on its T-shirt reads: Don’t Be a Pussy, Be a Tiger!)

Inside, a DJ rules like a Roman Emperor from an elevated platform and there’s a constant throng of young punters gyrating en masse below. It’s dark, and fog machines swirl away amidst the pulsing beats and the light show of deep reds and blues. On my visit, the substantial crowd began chanting the name of their next venue in a frenzy as they were gently ushered out in a long conga line around 12:20am. Spirits were high and it was as if the hundred or so punters were one big happy family.

Interestingly, despite its perennial popularity, Tiger Tiger has quite an abysmal rating on TripAdvisor – last I checked, it was at 1.5 stars out of 5. The main takeaways from the disgruntled reviewers: don’t go to Tiger Tiger for the food, or expect top-class cocktails, customer service, or interior design. If the sort of chaotic, Dionysian atmosphere described above appeals to you, and is sufficient for an enjoyable night, don’t let the paltry TripAdvisor rating dissuade you. By all means, though, read the reviews, and take them as you will… or go and see what’s up at Tiger Tiger for yourself!