Z-Vertigo Boulder Gym

Z-Vertigo is a small bouldering gym in the basement of Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, run by former national climbers who set the routes themselves.

The route-setting is the whole proposition. Four wall sections — a slab, a main wall, an L-shape and a stand-alone — are reset every Thursday, and the problems are technical rather than powerful: two routes at the same grade will often ask for completely different skills. Grades run from the beginner end up to grade 7. Shoe rental is available, kids’ classes run for five to twelve year olds, and the ten-visit pass can be shared between friends.

It suits climbers who want to get better rather than just get a session in, which is why strong local climbers and beginners end up on the same walls here. It is a compact space with strong air-conditioning, and it will feel small if you have come from a warehouse gym — that is the trade for setting of this quality.