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Written by Super User

Category: About

Published: 17 November 2015

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History of the Tanglin Club

The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of steamers resulted in a travel revolution. The small port founded by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, developed into a thriving trading centre, and the everyday life of the British settlement had become more sophisticated, and exclusively European.

In October 1865, "forty good men and true" convened a meeting for the purpose of forming a suburban social club to meet the wants of the British living in the settlement, and founded the Tanglin Club. A property in the District of Claymore was purchased in 1866 and this is the current site of the Tanglin Club today.

It is not known how the name 'Tanglin' originated but as there are many places in Malaysia named after trees, it is possible that the Tanglin Club was named after the Saraca Tree aka 'Tanglin Tree'. A commemorative Tanglin Tree was planted in the grounds of the present clubhouse in 1990 to mark the Club's 125th anniversary.

For many years, the Tanglin Club was one of the pillars of social life in Singapore for successful members of the European community. By the late 1930s, its ballroom had the reputation of having the best dance floor in the island and the Club band was a focal point of attraction. The highlight of Singapore's social calendar was The Tanglin Ball. Even today, the ball is held yearly in the Churchill Room, an icon of the Club. Squash and tennis are also synonymous with The Tanglin Club.

Before the fall of Singapore in February 1942, the Club was prepared for use as a convalescent depot for the Malayan Armed Service and an evacuee centre. During the Japanese occupation the Club was used as a Japanese officers' club. Having survived the vicissitudes of debt and war, age and apathy, even a major transformation, the Tanglin Club still retains an aura of exclusivity as one of the premier social clubs in Singapore today.

Having grown from "Forty Good Men" to over 4,000 Members, the Club prides itself on its international and cosmopolitan nature with more than 70 nationalities among its Members. It has earned a reputation of prestige and quality. the Tanglin Club Membership is still very much sought after as it offers excellent facilities and a distinguished lifestyle to its Members.

The presidents of the Tanglin Club were persons of prominence such that there are many streets named after them, for instance, Dunman Road, Anderson Road & Bridge, Read Street & Bridge, Birch Road, Bishopsgate and Finlayson Green.

The Tanglin Club today is an inviting oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation while its ambience still evokes the grace and charm of the past.

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Written by Super User

Category: About

Published: 17 November 2015

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The Mahjong Section has an enthusiastic group of Members play regular social games in the Club’s Multi-Purpose Games Room located in Tangles, on Level 2 of the Sports Complex.

REGULAR SOCIAL MAHJONG GAMES

 *The facilitator or Committee Member will post the sign-up sheet on the Mahjong WhatsApp Group on the sign-up day/time given above. Please sign up through WhatsApp.

Join The Mahjong Section

To join the Mahjong Section, please fill out and submit a registration form available at the Sports & Recreation Department.

Section Fund Fee

Section Fund Fee: $5.00 per Member per month | Non-Club Member $20 +GST

Guests may join any session if there is space available.

Bookings & Enquiries

For more information, please contact the Sports & Recreation Department at 6622 0588 or email sports@tanglinclub.org.

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Written by Super User

Category: About

Published: 20 October 2015

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A Defining Year In The Club’s History

Tanglin Club’s 160th Anniversary year marked a landmark chapter in our Club’s history, one shaped by exceptional Member experiences, sporting excellence, international collaborations and significant investments into the future of the Club.

Looking back on the past year, these 10 highlights reflect the moments, achievements and shared experiences that made this anniversary year such a memorable one for our Club and Members.

01 Celebrating 160 Years Together

A milestone year of celebrations, shared memories and Club spirit.

 

Members came together throughout Tanglin Club’s milestone anniversary year.

As Tanglin Club commemorated its 160th Anniversary, Members celebrated a landmark chapter in the Club’s history through signature events, themed experiences, festive gatherings and memorable moments shared across the Club.

From anniversary celebrations and family experiences to community gatherings and festive traditions, the year reflected the spirit, camaraderie and heritage that continue to define Tanglin Club.

02 Elevating Member Experiences

Strong gains across quality, service and Member satisfaction.

 

Delivering stronger dining and service experiences across the Club.

Member satisfaction continued its strong upward trajectory in 2025, reflecting the Club’s continued commitment to enhancing dining quality, service standards and day-to-day Member experiences.

These improvements were driven by a sustained focus on hospitality, consistency and service excellence across Club operations.

03 Culinary Experiences, Reimagined

Distinctive dining moments, wine experiences and culinary showcases.

 

Memorable dining experiences throughout the year.

From wine dinners and tasting menus to culinary showcases and masterclasses, Tanglin Club continued delivering distinctive dining experiences across its venues.

The year featured a vibrant calendar of experiences that brought Members together through exceptional hospitality, cuisine and conversation.

04 A Vibrant Year Of Entertainment

Live music, cultural showcases and immersive Club experiences.

 

Entertainment continued to play a vibrant role across Club life.

From jazz evenings and cultural showcases to themed celebrations and headline performances, Tanglin Club curated a dynamic year of entertainment experiences for Members and guests.

Across the Churchill Room, Terrace and Club spaces, entertainment once again became a defining part of the Member experience.

05 New Communities Continued To Grow

Strong participation across established and emerging Sections.

 

Sports & Recreation participation remained vibrant across the Club.

Tanglin Club continued to see strong participation growth across both established and emerging Sports & Recreation Sections, reflecting evolving Member interests and a vibrant Club community.

From Tennis and Squash to Pickleball, Choir, Art and Dance, Members remained actively engaged across the Club throughout the year.

06 Continuing A Proud Sporting Legacy

Tanglin Club secured its 8th POT Games Championship title.

 

Reinforcing Tanglin Club’s longstanding sporting tradition and excellence.

Tanglin Club once again demonstrated its sporting strength by securing the prestigious POT Games overall championship for the eighth time.

The achievement reflected the passion, camaraderie and competitive spirit that continue to shape Tanglin Club’s sporting culture and inter-club legacy.

07 Expanding Our International Connections

From the Australian Open to international sporting exchanges and diplomatic engagements.

 

Expanding Tanglin Club’s international presence through sport, culture and collaboration.

Tanglin Club continued expanding its international connections through regional sporting exchanges, diplomatic engagements, cultural showcases and landmark global collaborations throughout the year.

Highlights included an exclusive Australian Open trophy tour hosted at Tanglin Club in partnership with Tennis Australia, a special appearance by former world No. 8 Mark Philippoussis, and international sporting events involving participants and communities from around the world.

08 Transformative Upgrades

Major upgrades across the Club’s facilities and experiences.

 

Significant enhancements across dining, sports and Club spaces.

Throughout the year, Tanglin Club continued investing in major upgrades across the Club. From revitalised dining and sports facilities to infrastructure and operational enhancements, these enhancements reflect the Club’s continued commitment to elevating the overall Member experience, enhancing the spaces Members enjoy across the Club.

09 Recognition For Excellence

Honouring achievements across workplace culture and the Member experience.

 

Benchmarked across service, culture and world-class facilities.

During its 160th Anniversary year, Tanglin Club received honours across workplace culture, operational standards and the Member experience — reflecting the Club’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for Members.

These achievements underscore the professionalism, dedication and high standards upheld across the Club.

10 Beyond The Club

Community outreach, charitable initiatives and cultural engagement.

 

Extending Tanglin Club’s impact beyond its walls.

Through outreach programmes, charitable initiatives and community engagement efforts, Tanglin Club continued building meaningful connections beyond the Club itself.

From cultural performances and community outreach to charitable collaborations and member-led initiatives, these efforts reflected the spirit of contribution and connection that continues to shape the Club community.