Bowling is one of the sports that is popular around the world, especially for the upper class who want to spare their leisure time, training the muscles without breaking too much sweat. The bowling alley is usually indoors, which makes it a comfortable sport.

Using an 8 kilogram ball and several pins that must be knocked down, bowling has a long history that most people don’t know, even the ones that regularly do it.

In history lessons during high school, you can name a lot of old things that emerged from human beings: The Roman Empire that first appeared in 31 BC, then Jesus Christ that predicted happened during 6-4 BC, guess when was bowling first invented? It was first played in 776 BCE or when the first ever Olympic Games were held.

This fact emerged in 1930, when an anthropologist from England, named Sir Flinders Petrie did an observation and found the remnants of an old primitive building of an old grave of a child. Then you ask, what's so interesting about this? The grave is from the Egyptian empire that was predicted dated back to almost 5000 years ago.

This discovery becomes the starting point of what comes next. Many anthropologists followed the path and found tons of hieroglyphics and pictures that make old bowling and modern day bowling remarkably indistinguishable.

The discovery of Sir Flinders Petite got a follow up from Professor Edda Bresciani, an italian who had unrevealed an ancient bowling alley, located 140 km south of Egypt capital, Cairo.

What was founded in Egypt, became the cornerstone of the spreading of the game bowling all over the world.

The bowling popularity in America was first introduced by the British, German and Dutch people. These three nations contribute to the timeline of the introduction, but The Dutch started it first with a proof of a sketch in New York back in 1670 as there was a figure throwing balls.

From the literature, the first word of bowling appeared almost 300 years later, in the classic novel of Rip Van Winkle in 1819. Indirectly, Rip mentions the sound of crashing nine pins, one of the important elements of the game.

One year later, or in 1820, the rise of gambling eliminated the popularity of bowling, including the bowling hall. The gambling also made the bowling game temporarily closed in some of the states in America.

Like any other sport, there are some heated arguments about the origin of bowling. One of the famous historians in Germany, named William Pehle, believes that the bowling that we know today first appeared in Germany, in 300 CE.

Instead of pins, back in the days they used kegels and the purpose of this ‘bowling’ to pardon the sins of the people.

The earliest proof of bowling in England was in 1299. In Southampton, there are antique bowling greens or outdoor bowling landmarks.

The banning not only happened in America, but also in England. In 1366, King Henry III banned bowling all over the country. The sole reason why this happened is because many soldiers at that time were distracted by bowling, and were not practicing archery, which was their responsibility.

The banning also marks the first mention of the word bowling, officially. It took almost 700 years for bowling to be allowed in England again. Government took an extra effort to renovate some of the bowling lines, and ensure that bowling can be played during bad weather.

One century later, or precisely in 1511, the discrimination had happened for lower class, since the successor of King Henry III, King Henry 1V banned bowling as a sport for the poor, and create an image that bowling was destined for the upper class.

At this time, the bowling games developed in other European countries. The most notable ones were Austria and Switzerland, followed by other countries. The regulation in each country was different, the pins varied from 3-17, the numbers of players and balls also has not been decided. However, the purpose of bowling in each of these countries was still the same: to knock down as many pins as you can.

The progression of bowling today was also impacted by Skittles, an old and historical game that used lawn as its venue, and a part of target sports that are popular in England and Europe. As of today, Skittles has been played in indoor pubs in some of the European countries such as England, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Of all the eras, the 20th century can be the greatest era of bowling. The prohibition in 1930 and in other times marked the darkest time of bowling. But the popularity of bowling gradually increased, as beer companies sponsored not only professional bowlers, but also semi-professional bowlers to ensure that this sport emerged to the surface.

The broadcasting industry also helps with the rise of bowling. In the 1950s, bowling had its first show that aired through the NBC channel. The decision to air “The Championship Bowling” enhanced the awareness of the public, which made the first bowling association called Professional Bowlers Association, founded. At that time, there were 4.300 members from 14 countries.

The recognition of bowling by that time also made many presidents choose bowling as their leisure activity. The first was President Harry Truman, who built the bowling lanes in the west of White House. Richard Nixon also built a single bowling lane beneath the White House.

The presence of PBA also makes the tournament a part of the bowling agenda. In 1979, the first professional bowling tournament was founded and was named the U.S. Open. It is one of the tournaments with the highest difficulty because of the length of the playtime.

Like badminton that competed relatively late in the Olympics, bowling also first demonstrated in 1988. Twenty nations competed in a ‘prototype’ competition because there were no medals awarded since it was not an official olympic games.

Until this day, bowling is still not competing in the Olympics. The nearest was in 2015, when bowling was shortlisted, although it is still not chosen in the final decision.

Nowadays, bowling is played by 95 million people in 90 countries. It ranges from professional athletes to kids. From a professional competition to the neighborhood bowling alleyways and halls, it has gained more recognition throughout the years, with much simpler equipment.

Through its history, you probably learned a thing or two about bowling. But for most people, it is important to understand the definition and how the sport works, for educational purposes to acknowledge or introduce this sport to others.

Bowling is a part of a target sport, the kind of sport that focuses on discipline, concentration and focus. Other sports that have been a part of target sport are board targets such as darts and axe throwings.

It is also classified as a recreational activity in which a player throws a wooden ball, with the main target being to knock down pins.

Depending on the country, the term bowling itself came from two different references. One, a reference to pin bowling, while in the United Kingdom, it was referenced to another form of bowling, called lawn bowls.

There are several rules that are mandatory in bowling. The main goal of bowling is to knock over pins in the end of the ‘surface’, or is usually called the lane.Another glossary that is available in the game of bowling is a strike, which can be achieved if all the 9 pins are knocked down with just one throw. If you did it on the second roll or bowl, the terms is a Spare

The most common material to use for the lane is wood. Once the wood is settled, the lanes are usually covered in protective lubricating oil, to help with the trajectories of the bowling ball.

Another term that is commonly used in the bowling universe is Open Bowling. Just like any other sports, there are venues to try. Open Bowling itself refers to bowling establishments to describe a non-sanctioned play. Commonly Open Bowling has several motives, from the recreational play, practice place to the competition.

In bowling there is also a term called ten-pin bowling, which is the type of bowling in which the player throws a ball in the lane with the objective to knock down all of the ten pins on strike (the first throw) or on the second throw which is familiar with the terms spare.

As you know, bowling has been a part of human lives since ages, and gradually popular in some countries. People of all ages play bowling with different purposes, which makes it more fun. To understand more about this sport, here are a few idiosyncratic facts about bowling:

The most common pin in bowling is 9 pins. But you may encounter a different experience if you visit the USA and play in a bowling alley.

Currently, nine-pin bowling is prohibited in every state in the country, with the exception for Texas. It is hereditary to play nine and ten pins in Texas, which started in the 1930s. So, if you want to experience a ‘normal’ bowling sport, then you can visit Texas only.

As mentioned before, bowling has been accepted in all over the countries. Even there have been so many captivating bowling alleys all over the world, just like Inazawa Grand Bowl In Japan that broke Guinness World Records as the largest Bowling Center in the world.

With 116 lanes, the claim to break the world record was admitted by Jim Fox, who happens to be the Vice President Capital Equipment for Brunswick Bowling Products. The decision is not only based to acknowledge Brunswick as one of the best brands for bowling equipment, but also to acknowledge and promote bowling to the world.

Many bowling lovers traveled to Japan to take part in the unique and grand experience bowling at Inazawa Grand Bowl. With more than 100 lanes to choose from, you wouldn’t wait for too long.

The second bowling alley is located in Los Angeles called The National Bowling Stadium. Living by the name, the main purpose of this venue is to hold international scale bowling events, although for most part it is also suitable for any events, from private parties to business meetings.

Not only was it once a sport for upper class, bowling also had been a sport that excluded girls. It wasn’t until 1917 that girl athletes had their own organization called The Woman’s National Bow.

Although still relatively new when compared to the men’s organization, the women of bowling gradually settled their place in the bowling scene. The one notable achievement is Kelly Kulick who had won a title on The Professional Bowlers Association Tour 11 years ago.

This was followed by Hannah Diem, the youngest person in the USA to win a bowl of a perfect game.

First appearance of bowling products are commonly made of wood and leather, with variations of heavy rubber. Not until 1960, resin was used by many factories and manufacturers that eventually made the production of plastic balls possible.

The ancient Egyptians were predicted to play this sport around 3200 BC. While in modern times, indoor bowling lanes were invented in 1840 in New York, and first broadcasted in 1950. This means that bowling was one of the oldest sports that was ever known in human history.

If golf can be considered as an individual sport, then bowling is the opposite. If you happen to be the employee of a company and you just got tired with the same routine of a get-togethers on every weekend in each month, then planning your next event for a small-scale bowling competition in the nearest bowling alley is worth a try.

Without bringing too much equipment and breaking too much sweat, your colleagues will be happy to be competing in a fun way. With the option of great food, drinks and air conditioners all on the same site, the games can be enjoyed by everyone, from the higher up to the intern. The stale same old routine that was once in the past will be forgotten since bowling activity brings much more positive vibe.

Whether you are a bowling nerd who knows all of the bowling glossary in mind or just a casual bowler who considers joining to spare some time, it is worth trying to spend some time with your colleagues over the spinning ball of bowl, good drinks and tasteful snacks.

Similar to golf, bowling is also a kind of sport that you can play at any age. A simple technique makes bowling still approachable although you are old. As long as you are still able to lift and throw the ball, which can be customized through its size, then you’re good to go. Not only it’s a perfect option for your office events, it is also a perfect sport for families, whether your kids or your parents, thus can be put on the list of your next family outing agenda.

One of the most important elements of bowling is the ball. Did you know that the common ball that is often used in bowling alleys can have the weight around 2,7 to 7,3 kilograms, but the heaviest bowling ball that ever recorded was 12.5 kilograms. However, with this kind of weight, there are a lot of arguments whether a bowling ball should be this heavy since it can endanger the fingers of the players.

It crossed many minds of the player, whether the amateurs or a professional, how the bowling ball is made and why it has 3 holes?

A bowling ball may look elegant and simple from the outside, but the process it was made is unique and complex, with a special approach in shaping and fillings in order to create balance and precision.

The holes itself has the main purpose of improving your grip, if the holes isn’t there you wouldn’t even have a chance to roll the slippery ball to the pins.

The detailed design also makes this game much more fun and challenging, and helps to minimize the friction and risk to hurt the players, especially the amateur ones who have not yet known how to roll the balls accordingly.

Before the technology was as advanced as today, bowling was using human resources to its needs. There is a term in bowling called pinsetter, which is basically an automated device that rearranges bowling pins once it gets knocked down by the balls.

Before it was automated, the pinsetters were originally young men or also known as pin boys. They often sit in between the lanes to reset the pins and return the ball. In several bowling alleys, the pin boys have different aliases or slangs that are often used by regular bowlers, two of them were a pinchaser and pin monkey. Nowadays, this kind of profession doesn’t exist anymore because all of the bowling alleys around the world have been technology-based. In the past, pinboys had been a marketing strategy for some bowling alleys; several bowling alleys displayed pin boys in the front of the store. The fee range of pin boys at that time was around 2-3 US$ per week.

The change to the machine pinsetters started in 1941, from the hands of Gottfried Schmidt who sold the patent to AMF.

At first, the machines helped several bowling alleys, although there are only a few but it is a progress especially in that era. Gradually, many bowling alleys decided to use the machine pinsetters. However, to ensure the guests have a memorable bowling experience, the pin boys are often stationed near the equipment in the bowling alleys, to prepare if the machines are jammed or not working properly.

30 years later, the machines integrated with an electronic system, which marked the change of bowling as a sport or a game that is sophisticated. At that time, it was a very big movement to the bowling world, since it was still a new game or sport to the public.

You can visit a bowling alley and play bowling in there. However, you would be like an amateur if you don’t know any of the equipment that is available in the bowling alley. Without further ado, here are the three main elements of bowling.

The type of balls in a bowling game is often determined by the amount of pins. If you play 10 pins, the ball that you are going to use has a circumference (the length of the surface of the circle) up to 69 centimeters and a diameter around 21-22 centimeter.

That's about the width, now we move on to the weight, bowling balls have several weights, with the range around 2.7 to 7.3 kg. The difference is not only about the weight, but also the type. The most familiar ones are hook shot balls and bowling straight balls.

You can’t have the ball without having a target to throw on. That is the job of the pins. Their size may vary, but the shape of pins are generally the same. It usually weighs around 1.5 with a height around 40 cm.

Bowling pins are usually maple wood-based and coated with plastic material, finished with a glossy touch.

The best quality shoes are obligatory to ensure that you won’t slip once you throw a ball in bowling. Type of shoes that is recommended is the one with the flat bottom. The sole has to be rubber so it prevents you from slipping.

Most bowling alleys also rent these types of shoes to ensure that you get the best feelings when you are bowling with your friends or family. Although, it is recommended to bring your own bowling shoes.

As mentioned before, bowling has been gradually popular in the world. At first, it was only popular in the USA, but for now, it is also popular in other countries. However, there are a lot of visually appealing bowling alleys that are visited frequently by local bowlers that also offer great services. Here are some of the quirky bowling alleys that are visually appealing and worth a try.

Rolling Stones Magazines has been a popular brand in all over the world for a very long time. What's written by them is indirectly a must-try recommendation. The predicate as a “One of the most incredible places on earth” was more than enough to make the spotlight turn to Brooklyn Bowl. New Yorkers must have known about this establishment, because it is not only focusing on the bowling alley, but also used frequently to hold music concerts.

The service that is also popular in Brooklyn Bowl is their fried chicken, that is directly using Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken, the prominent brand in New York. The musicians who have tasted the aura and vibes of Brooklyn Bowl are notably Guns N Roses and Elvis Costello.

If you visit Brooklyn Bowl and have no idea where the best place to stay is, you can choose a hotel nearby. There are the New York Marriott that is only 40 km away, or a more expensive hotel, like The Williamsburg hotel that is only 1.5 km away from Brooklyn Bowl.

Another bowling alley that is included in a must-visit alley is Splitsville. It brings back so many memories and nostalgia for old bowlers that have been playing this game since they were kids. The retro interior is like no other, since most of the places haven't been changed since 1970. The touch of modernity is available through their beverages, like the presence of sushi. Other than that, you will feel like you travelled on a time machine.

Flashy, this is the first word that comes to mind with Xlanes, which is located in Los Angeles. There are 16 lanes in this bowling alley that receive many lights from neon lamps that decorated this alley in every corner. The visual is only a small part of this alley, since the facilities here are also impressive. The full bar with many drink choices, the game arcade to snap your boredom in between play, darts to train your focus, karaoke and pool. What more could you ask for?

It’s not only the Glacier National Park that is attractive in Montana, there are other things that you need to put on consideration and try once you visit Montana, especially if you love bowling and want to have time to relax. The Silver Dollar Saloon bowling alley is embracing its western theme, while underlining that intimacy with only providing four lanes.

If you bring your partner, maybe he or she can consider playing billiards, watching movies or just simply throwing darts, while you have your own fun bowling. Silver Dollar Saloon is a part of Rock Creek Ranch complex, with US$800 you can have all of the alcohol you want and an unlimited bowling time.

Xlanes is not going to be the fanciest bowling alley that you will ever find. Colorado has it, with the name of Broadmoor. The tale is that this bowling alley is so fancy that you wouldn’t have guessed that this is a bowling alley. The golden colour, leather couches and elegant chandelier are the three elements that make this bowling alley so exquisite. The choice of beverages and alcohol is also one of a kind, and if you decide to bowl here, make sure you bring extra money since the price range isn’t like any other bowling alley. Although, it is worth trying since it is a once in a lifetime experience.

Enough with many grand and exclusive bowling alleys, it is time for a minimalist bowling alley. Pinewood Social in Nashville shows its appearance as a retro and minimalist bowling. Common bowling alleys usually create a high ceiling and often lack neon lights, but it is contradictory with Pinewood Social. Other facilities that you can try, which are included in the complex, are dining area, lounge, swimming pool and a cafe, all are full with the retro furniture.

This is the only bowling alley recommendation that is located outside of the US, which implicitly says that this bowling alley has potential.

However, if you are a bowling geek, you know that All Star Lanes is a franchised brand, which can reduce the excitement. But All Star Lanes in London is different, with a retro American Touch, dining and superb menu. It is a bowling alley that everyone dreams of.. You could also try their grilled cheese with your own milkshake just to suit the theme and immerse the retro experience that this bowling alley provides.

Once in a lifetime you need to visit unique places to tell the experiences to your child or spouse. In a bowling alley universe, that place could be Uncle Buck, which is actually a seafood restaurant that supposedly has a bowling alley.

As you may guess, as a seafood restaurant they want to maximize the theme, that is why the whole bowling venue is an under-the-sea theme. 16 bowling lanes with the color of the sea, fishes hanging around your head and the many sea creatures that feel both amazing, yet tacky.

We have discussed the history of bowling, learned about the equipment and even know some of the best bowling alleys in the world. But the real primadonna here is how to bowl and have fun bowling in Singapore. So, where are the best places to bowl in Singapore? Here are the recommendations.

The ambience of a bowling alley is important to ease your focus, and if you bring a company, to make sure that they won’t get bored. Changi Clubhouse is the best place to go bowling and bring your family or partner since they have a panoramic view of the sea. You can enjoy bowling while your family or partner is sitting comfortably on a sofa, sipping coffee while enjoying the view.

Innovation has been a big part of this bowling Singapore alley, like Orchid Bowl. Not only will you experience noteworthy moments in this alley, but you also will have an exceptional journey since they provide bowling shoes that glow in the dark,

Although it's meant to be professional, Orchid Bowl also doesn’t diminish many amateur bowlers or just a passerby who wants to try bowling. At Orchid Bowl Singapore, they also provide MiniBowl, the mini version of bowling, with automated bumpers and much lighter bowling balls.

By its name, you can tell that this bowling alley in Singapore has a distinctive feeling. Some locals may have hung out here in the past, but as Singapore gradually changes, so does Kallang Bowl.

Located in Leisure Park Kallang, which also provides many facilities such as ice skating, Kallang Bowl offers more than 22 lanes that follows competition-standard regulations. It even includes a touch screen control panel for many competitive bowlers, to ensure that you count every effort of your score.

If you get heated up after your own competition and need something to ease your mind, as mentioned before, you can try ice skating just above the Kallang Bowl, in Kallang Ice World.

If you ask someone around, or some Singaporean about the most complete bowling alley in Singapore? The answer most probably includes Westwood Bowl.

24 bowling lanes that accommodate approximately 180 bowling balls, 500 rentals to put your belongings in and 300 pairs of bowling shoes to rent. This is probably the most complete facility in a bowling alley that you would find in Singapore.

You are probably wondering with that much accommodation, how much would it cost a game? The surprising answer is that Westwood Bowl may have the cheapest rate in terms of bowling, with only SG$ 4.57 per game.

If you happen to be the one upon a committee from your company that has been assigned to book an activity, instead of choosing a hotel facility, you can try to host your events here, with SG$ 27 per lane, but if you choose to go on the weekend, it can go up to SG$ 40 per lane. Make sure you bring extra budget if you choose the latter.

Other than cheap staycation Singapore that is often hidden, some of the bowling alley can also be hidden. If you visit Singapore regularly, you know that Orchard Road is identical with shopping places. If you bring your partner to Singapore and his or her hobby is shopping, maybe you can ease your mind by going to the K Bowling Singapore that is located in Orchard Road.

It is practically a party place, with groovy vibes and many options of alcohol that can entertain any kind of guests for hours. However, with a full cosmetic interior and its location, bowling per game in K Bowling is a little bit pricey, with the cost of SG$ 15 per game.

Don’t hate this bowling alley based on its price, for K Bowling also houses many facilities such as dart machines, school arcade games and karaoke booths.

No, this isn’t the name of that famous event in the USA. However, its prestige can be similar since many families visit this bowling alley, and affordability isn’t the only factor.

Of course, an affordable price means that you can also have your own fun without fear of leaking budget allowances. But the reason why Superbowl has its prestige is because of its location, Jurong, that accounts for one of the oldest bowling alleys in Singapore.

Make sure to visit Superbowl on public holiday Singapore, to ensure that you have the best experience and get the right vibes.

Boredom is a curable ‘disease’, especially if you are staying in another country. Spend some time in Sonic Bowl, which charges SG$ 5-6 per game. The nostalgic feeling it offers is worth enough for you to post on social media, since the decoration is full with 90s rock and some Latino vibes.

You can also enjoy other facilities, from barbecue grilling, renting a bike or just releasing your sadness through KTV.

Another recommendation of bowling in Singapore is the one that is destined and designed for people who want to have a more serious bowling experience. The big space really accommodates 38 lanes that stand side by side beautifully. As you step in, you would sense that this bowling alley is professionally maintained.

If the 38 lanes doesn’t convince you enough, Singapore Bowling is the main location to train for the national teams. If you aren't in the mood to bowl, you can visit Singapore Bowling to understand how to bowl, professionally.

Visiting Singapore Bowling can also be an out of this world experience, since you won’t get a second chance to know and learn how professional bowling works. If you happen to pass by and want to have a look of this magnificent bowling alley, make sure you are prepared for what you are about to see.

Since it is probably an expensive bowling alley, it is recommended to find and stay in cheap hotels in Singapore, to make sure that you have limitless games experience in Singapore Bowling.

This is probably one of the cheapest bowling alleys in Singapore. Planet Bowl only charges SG$ 3.50 per game! It is understandable that many bowling alleys also care about the privacy of the guest. And although it is filled with only 20 lanes, they also offer a party or corporate booking with only SG$ 40-55 per game, depending on how many people are playing and how many lanes that you want to book. To ensure that you have a joyful yet affordable experience, you can choose one of hotels in Singapore nearby, the cheapest and nearest one is Hotel Kam Leng, which is less than half kilometers away. You can check if the hotel is included on hotel promotion Singapore.

These are all of the things that you want to know from bowling or bowling in Singapore. The information from the history, the equipment and the elements from pin boys to the tournaments, and even bowling in Singapore, make bowling a game that we all know today. However, there are also some gaps to improve and goals to achieve, including the chance to put these fun games into The Olympics.

The fact that bowling still hasn’t made it to the Olympics is relatively unfair, since it has all of the elements needed: the suspense from the competition, the spectators and the organization.

Don't forget, as long as it still 2021, you can check if the bowling Singapore places is supporting the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers program.