From The Straits Times    |

With little room to grow in space-starved Singapore, developers and patrons are happy to use every bit of land there is – including rooftops. Get away from the bustle with excellent sunset scenes and night views at these 10 rooftop bars in Singapore.

1. Tiger’s Milk


Photo: Tiger’s Milk

Perched atop The Club Hotel in Ann Siang Hill, Tiger’s Milk is a Peruvian-themed bar and restaurant that serves up well-known Peruvian classics like ceviche, tiraditos and anticucho, against a backdrop of lively Latino music. The restaurant comes with an open parilla grill, a ceviche bar and a pisco bar, which whips up original cocktails using the national liquor of Peru, pisco. 

2. Aura Sky Lounge


Photo: Aura

This swishy space occupies the rooftop of the National Gallery that opened last year, which means stellar views of the Padang and surrounding Marina Bay area. The menu of innovative European dishes changes according to the time of day. Consider ordering the SG Sling, a nod to both Singapore’s very own star cocktail and the heritage of the space the bar inhabits.  

3. Braci


Photo: Braci

This newly opened Italian restaurant and bar overlooks the glittering lights of Boat Quay. Housed in a refurbished heritage shophouse, Braci’s cuisine is mostly cooked over charcoal while the bar serves original signature cocktails and reinvented classics until midnight. Seats are limited, so be sure to book early. 

4. Loof


Photo: Loof

Arguably one of the most popular rooftop bars in Singapore, this quirky bar sitting atop Odeon Tower right across the street from the Raffles Hotel has a decidedly local flavour in decor and menu, and even has a pushcart stocked with nostalgic trinkets from yesteryears. The bar is the haunt of young, well-dressed professionals who don’t mind the open-air, non-air conditioned setting.  

5. Golden x The Great Escape


Photo: Golden x The Great Escape

A hipster secret stashed away in Golden Mile Tower, this cafe and rooftop bar sits in a corner of the carpark on the same floor as The Projector cinema, which also makes for a great post-show stop. Decor here is comprised of oil drums, pallets and eclectic furniture, and the view of Kallang and the Marina Bay skyline is unrivalled. 

6. 1-Altitude


Photo: 1-Altitude

Boasting some of the best, unobscured views of Singapore from its towering height of 282m, those with vertigo should keep away from the edge. This watering hole draws the well-heeled CBD crowd and turns into a vibrant party spot when the sun sets, with DJs or local bands setting the scene musically. 

7. Lepark


Photo: Lepark

Situated on the rooftop of the ever-bustling People’s Park Complex is the bustling Lepark, a carpark-turned-lifestyle playground. While it hosts a range of activities from concerts and workshops to yoga classes, the bar Lepark offers craft beers, tapas and a view of Chinatown for those looking to kick back and relax. 

8. Terra


Photo: Terra

If you’re looking for a dose of Latin America, look no further than Terra at Suntec City’s Sky Garden. The greenery of the rooftop gardens calls to mind the verdant jungles of Latin America, while its wooden fixtures and soothing pastels reinforce the earthly feel of the bar. The Latin American-inspired menu is worth the try and the bar’s signature cocktails, like the Viva La Brasil, are exotic and delicious. 

9. SuperTree by Indochine


Photo: Indochine

For drinks in an almost other-worldly setting, the rooftop bar at SuperTree by Indochine provides a view of Marina Bay Sands as well as the surreal looking Gardens by the Bay and its SuperTrees. The bar offers tapas, and a few times a week, a Garden Rhapsody light show too.  

10. Lantern


Photo: Lantern

One of the most established rooftop bars in Singapore, Lantern takes its name for the old Chinese name for Clifford Pier – Red Lantern Pier – and has stunning views of the Singapore River. Its lush setting and laidback pool vibe makes it best for a romantic evening out with a partner or for that special occasion. 

This story was originally published in SilverKris