The best rooftops with stunning views of Singapore

At 200-metres above ground, the boat-shaped Sands SkyPark Observation Deck is one of a few places to get a bird's-eye view of Singapore. Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, it took three months to lift it up to the 57th storey, where it now sits prettily atop three hotel towers of the Marina Bay Sands. Delight in the unfettered view of iconic landmarks such as the Singapore Flyer, the Esplanade, the colourful shophouses along the Singapore River, and the Merlion statue. You can also check out the infinity pool, but no dipping please – that's for hotel guests only.

Towering skyscrapers are aplenty in the city, but there's none quite like The Pinnacle@Duxton. After all, it's the first condominium-inspired public housing of its kind. Its main attractions are the two sky gardens that connect all seven towers on the 26th and 50th stories; the former has a jogging track and is exclusive to residents, while the latter is open to the public for a $5 entrance fee. As with Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers, only 200 outsiders a day are allowed to enter.

A Singapore icon, the majestic Gardens by the Bay is a sight to behold. Surrounded by exotic foliage, it's home to various outdoor and indoor gardens. The main stars, however, are the colossal Supertrees, which stand at up to 50-metres tall. Be one with the Supertrees as you stroll along the 22-metre-high aerial OCBC Skyway which connects two of the iconic giants. Located at the canopy of the tallest Supertree is the new Supertree Observatory. The open-air rooftop deck remains closed for now, but keep your eye on it as it offers panoramic vistas of the Gardens and the Marina Bay skyline.

No prizes for guessing on which floor this bar and restaurant is perched. Billed as the world’s highest microbrewery, LeVeL33 gloriously overlooks the Marina Bay, and, thanks to the decor and service, is perhaps the most sophisticated place to quaff a locally brewed beer. Take in the sights – and sounds – with a refreshing pint. Five brews are permanently on the menu: an IPA, stout, wheat beer, house porter and blonde lager. They bear classic flavour profiles – the brewery claims to use ‘authentic recipes and brewing methods’ – so don’t expect funky American-style notes.

For an alternative spot, not located in the city centre, take a hike up Jurong Hill Park. The Modernist-style lookout tower was opened in 1970 and is the highest point in Jurong. Besides the clear views of nearby Jurong Island, Jurong town and the West side of Singapore itself, the park also houses a Garden of Fame where heads of state and other dignitaries have planted trees to commemorate their visit – including Queen Elizabeth II. You can find up to 30 trees planted on the grounds – the Garden of Fame itself moved to the grounds of Jurong Town Hall because of the lack of space. 

Take wining and dining to new heights at Skai. Perched on the 70th floor of the Swissotel the Stamford, it overlooks the civic district down from the Padang to Marina Bay. The penthouse living room of a minimalist's dreams, the sky-high space takes a literal leaf from the modern Japanese design book with green foliage and maple accents adorning the 130-seater venue. Amp up the romance with a series of sharing plates while you admire the sunset and city lights come nightfall.

In the heart of the famous shopping belt – 56 levels above Orchard Road, to be exact – is ION Sky. Prepare to be swept up 218-metres into the clouds, surrounded by sweeping 350-degree vistas of the city, in the comfort of a spacious, air-conditioned space. Elevate your sky-high experience further with the multimedia showcases there including the whimsical digital projection light show Adventures in Food Wonderland and the multi-concept pop-up Jurassic World Café.

Another hidden gem in the shopping mecca, this charming rooftop garden is nestled on the top of Orchard Central. Besides the stunning views of the city, the green haven also gives you a sonic respite with the soothing sounds of waterfalls in the background – a juxtaposition against the hustle and bustle below. No entry fee attached, the garden is easily accessed via a lift up to the 11th floor, followed by an escalator to the rooftop.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel’s prime location among the skyscrapers of the CBD makes Lantern a prime target for anyone peeking out of their office window. The 25-metre pool, border of whirlpool niches, faux-rattan cabanas and five-metre-wide lantern-inspired bar certainly catch the eye. The atmosphere at this site formerly occupied by Clifford Pier is vibrant without being intrusive; it’s not difficult to have a conversation while listening to the smooth vocals of the lively Latin house band.

It’s clear what the restaurant is known for; Vue is the French translation of the word “view”. From its high floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoy breathtaking views of the Civic District from the 19th floor of OUE Bayfront. Start off with a drink at the open-air bar of Singapore’s first rooftop spritz bar, then move on to the main dining hall for a menu of binchotan-grilled meats and other proteins like seafood and chicken. Drop by between 5pm and 7pm – prime hours to catch the sunset – and enjoy complimentary servings of canapés with your drinks. 

The massive rooftop field at Marina Barrage attracts couples and families all year round, thanks to its breathtaking 360-degree view of the bay area. Bring your own kite to sail in the bay’s gusty winds or pick one up from among the cavalcade of colourful creations in the kite shop on the grounds. Besides flying kites, the park is a popular venue for yoga, jogging and kayaking – and there are even a few restaurants nearby.

Not a rooftop venue per sé, but Marina Bay's giant, 42-storey, 165-metre observation wheel continues to pull a mix of tourists and locals who come for the breathtaking, 360-degree views of the city. Beat the heat in one of its 28 air-conditioned, UV-protected capsules while you soak up the views. Each flight lasts 30 minutes and on a clear day, the panorama from the top of the wheel stretches into neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia. Splurge on the Sky Dining experience for an hour-long romantic dinner under the stars.

Bonus

This one's a little more exclusive. Nested atop the iconic Shaw Centre is 67 Pall Mall, the Singaporean outpost of the London-based private member's wine club. It spans the 27th and 28th floors of Shaw Centre, boasting stunning 270-degree views of the Orchard cityscape through soaring floor-to-ceiling glass windows – perfect to savour the golden hour with a glass of fine wine in hand. And in a corner of the 28th floor is the Naughty Corner, an intimate salon with over 400 bottles of whiskey to choose from. Our favourite thing about it? A set of doors lead out to an open rooftop with a breathtaking view of the Orchard Road shopping belt.