Imagine being locked up in a room with a group of two to 12 and the only way out is to solve a series of mind-boggling puzzles that involve subjects such as mathematics, science and assorted general knowledge.
Sounds terrifying? Not to the increasing number of Singaporeans who are willingly undertaking the challenge of being trapped in an escape game.
The activity first landed here in 2012 and there are now more than 10 escape room providers, with a quarter of them operating more than one outlet.
Escape room operators are also going beyond the confines of a room to large spaces such as a museum.
Life!Weekend susses out six escape room providers here and if you are up for a bigger challenge, there are two upcoming large-scale escape events to attend as well.
LOST SG
The lowdown: There are five rooms at Lost SG. Each is based on real-life places such as the infamous Alcatraz Prison in the United States or significant events such as the biblical exodus when the Israelites escape slavery in Egypt.
With realistic artefacts and decor reflecting each room's theme, players might almost trick themselves into believing they are in that very place or time.
Where: 03-01/02/03 Peace Centre, 1 Sophia Road
When: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 11pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am to 1am
Admission: Off-peak charge of $20.90 on weekdays, 11am to 5.45pm, peak charge of $26.90 on weekends, eve of and public holidays, and after 6pm on weekdays
Info: Call 6717-1688 or go to lost.sg
ENCOUNTER
The lowdown: Unlike other escape room providers, the folks behind Encounter has created a suspense-themed apartment with the element of an escape room.
Within the 900 sq ft apartment, players navigate various rooms, including a kitchen and a toilet, in order to solve the case of the missing family who used to live there.
Where: B1-01 302 @ Besar, 302 Jalan Besar
When: Weekdays and Sunday, 11am to 10pm; Saturday, 11am to midnight; closed on Wednesday
Admission: Off-peak charge of $30 each (in groups of two to four) or $25 each (in groups of five to eight) from Monday to Thursday before 5pm, peak charge of $33 each (in groups of two to four) or $28 each (in groups of five to eight) from Monday to Thursday after 5pm, Friday, weekends, eve of and public holidays
Info: Call 6341-5830 or go to www.encounter.sg
ROOMRAIDER SG
The lowdown: There are five rooms, including terrorism-themed S.W.A.T. Firestorm, which is set in New York's Times Square subway station, cutesy Where's Cuddles?, spooky Dark Mansion and sci-fi-themed Hyperion. A sixth room will be launched this month. Roomraider SG has a dedicated space for corporate events.
Where: 05-45 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road
When: Daily, 11.30am to 10.30pm
Admission: $22, Monday to Thursday; $28, Friday to Sunday, as well as eve of and on public holidays
Info: Call 6636-8470 or go to www.roomraidersg.com
BREAKOUT
The lowdown: Each of the three rooms here gives players a completely different experience. Choose to be trapped in a mad scientist's laboratory, to unearth a magician's secret tricks or to break out from a creepy playroom.
Where: 31B Kreta Ayer Road
When: Monday to Thursday, noon to midnight; Friday to Saturday, 11am to 1am; Sunday, 11am to midnight
Admission: Off-peak charge of $19 on weekdays before 5pm, peak charge of $22 on weekdays after 5pm, weekends and public holidays
Info: Call 6226-2688 or go to www.breakout.com.sg
LOCKDOWN SINGAPORE
The lowdown: With six rooms across the three outlets, Lockdown Singapore is suitable for all ages, with family-friendly themes.
Where: 03-51 and 02-33 Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street; 03-377 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard
When: Daily, 11am to 10pm
Admission: Off-peak charge of $19 on weekdays before 7pm, peak charge of $22 on weekdays after 7pm, weekends and public holidays
Info: Call 6221-0120 (Level 3 Clarke Quay Central), 6222-6100 (Level 2 Clarke Quay Central), 6238-0370 (Suntec City Mall) or go to lockdown.sg
THE ESCAPE ARTIST
The lowdown: With four games at its Bukit Timah outlet and five at the Prinsep Street space, players can have their pick of scaring themselves silly with at least three rooms bound to provide a hair-raising experience.
Where: 11-02 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road; 01-01, 52A Prinsep Street
When: Monday to Thursday, noon to 11pm; Friday to Sunday, noon to midnight
Admission: Off-peak charge of $18 (Bukit Timah Shopping Centre) or $22 (Prinsep Street) on weekdays before 6pm, peak charge of $23 (Bukit Timah Shopping Centre) or $28 (Prinsep Street) on weekdays after 6pm, weekends and public holidays
Info: Call 6463-6690 (Bukit Timah Shopping Centre), 6883-1540 (Prinsep Street) or go to www.theescapeartist.sg
Upcoming large-scale escape events
CODE BLUE
What: Capitalising on the rising popularity of escape games in Singapore, non-profit youth organisation Amberbrook has planned its very own version, where participants will learn and apply the basic skills needed to perform first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The event will be split into three parts - an escape game, a race and a Nerf gun battle. Who says learning first aid and CPR is not a thrilling activity?
Where: National University of Singapore University Town, College Avenue West
When: Jan 3, 9am to 8pm
Admission: Free if you sign up before the event day (slots are filling up fast), $5 a person on the day itself
Info: Sign up at bit.ly/joincodeblue or go to www.facebook.com/codeblue.ab
LAST GARDEN: SAVE NATURE, SAVE HUMANITY
What: At this event, set to the biggest large-scale outdoor escape game organised by Real Escape Game, participants will be transported to the year 2065, a time when Singapore has transformed fully into an urban jungle except for Gardens by the Bay, the sole garden remaining in the city. To save the garden from extinction, players must crack puzzles and discover a hidden jewel.
Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive
When: Next month (date to be confirmed)
Info: www.realegame.sg
