By: Azlinda Said
Everyone needs to destress after a hard day’s labour, and there’s no better way to wind down than getting a few shots into your system. If you’re looking to do so in style, then mosey on down to the Marina Bay area for top-notch bars, spectacular views and sumptuous fare. Not sure where to start? Fear not, for we’ve compiled you a list.
1-Altitude
1 Raffles Place
6438 0410
Standing at nearly 300 metres above sea level, 1-Altitude gives new meaning to the term living on the edge. Touted as the world’s highest al fresco bar, it’s THE ultimate place for a good time, housing a bar, a restaurant and a dance club all under one roof.
First, watch the sunset (and get a spectacular 360-degree view of Singapore) on the rooftop (1-Altitude Gallery and Bar at level 63) as you sip on glasses of bubbly. Then, head down to the 62 floor for a gourmet, artisanal feast at Stellar, before intensely dancing the rest of the night away at Altimate on level 61.
To soak in the stunning view, the bar’s Sundown Affair from six to eight pm is ideal for an after-work chillaxing session or to kick off your evening of fun. As sunset morphs into night, expect refreshing cocktails and drink deals, as well as delectable bar bites. The bar’s extensive line-up of live bands and resident DJs is guaranteed to keep revellers going into the night.
You can expect a different party experience each night at 1-Altitude, with special promotions and themed evenings. Wicked Wednesday Ladies’ Night has enticing drink offers as you jam to R&B and hip hop tunes. For a tinge of nostalgia, relive the hits of the 70s to the early millenium at T.B.T (Turn Back Time) on Thursdays, for the perfect blend of funk and jive. Plus, treats await partygoers who come dressed to impress.
These, along with a range of unique collaborations and international acts, makes 1-Altitude’s rooftop the most thrilling nightspot in the sky. The gallery and bar has won accolades at the Singapore Experience Awards for Best Night Spot (2012) and Best Customer Experience (2013) – placing 1-Altitude literally at the top of the world.
New Asia Bar
2 Stamford Road
Level 70 Swissotel the Stamford
6338 8585
Dubbed one of the 50 best bars in the world, this exclusive night spot is legendary for its helipad parties. Think sensuous cocktails and sexy, pulsating tunes against the Singapore skyline. This is definitely THE place to be seen at – you’re guaranteed a good time with every visit.
Orgo
8 Raffles Avenue
Rooftop, Esplanade
6336 9366
Short for organic chemistry, Orgo’s cocktail menu boasts of unique drinks made with organic ingredients. Led by renowned Japanese mixologist Tomoyuki Kitazoe, the intimate bar is encased in an air-conditioned glass cube – perfect for booze lovers looking for a good time away from the humid night air.
Lantern
1 Fullerton Road
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
6597 5299
This uber plush bar sits amid a gorgeous pool on the hotel’s rooftop. It opens up on all sides to a magnificent view across Marina Bay. One outing will burn a hole in your pocket for sure, but who’s complaining?
Overeasy
1 Fullerton Road
#01-06 One Fullerton
6423 0701
Situated beside the waterfront, this bar and diner offers not only good ole’ American fare but also an extensive drinks list, from specialty cocktails and bubbly to beer and hard liquor. It has an al fresco area, should you prefer to down your tequila shots to the quiet lapping of waves from the Singapore River.
Prelude
3 Fullerton Road
The Fullerton Waterboat House
6538 9038
If you’re looking to kick off your night of boozing with something more intimate, this open-air rooftop bar is just the place for you. Offering a casual and unpretentious atmosphere, it’s prime location at the top of The Fullerton Waterboat House (this place is on the list of heritage sites, mind you, so you’ll be part of colonial history… somewhat) presents unobstructed views across both the Central Business District skyline and the new developments around Marina Bay. Just be prepared to run for cover should the skies open up on you.
The Pelican
1 Fullerton Road
6438 0440
Perched on the waters of Marina Bay, The Pelican promises a fun drinking experience to accompany its seafood-based menu. Diners can choose to watch the bartenders in action as they whip up the bar and grill’s signature cocktails – there are some 20 unique drinks in all – or head out to the outdoor verandah and sway to the sexy grooves of the resident deejay, amid the breathtaking views of Marina Bay.
Ku De Ta
Marina Bay Sands
Rooftop
6688 7688
If you are dressed to impress (and want selfies with a gorgeous backdrop), then head down to this ultra trendy spot, where you may rub shoulders with the fashionably rich and famous. Be prepared to order spirits by the bottle here.
Kinki
70 Collyer Quay
6533 3471
This Japanese restaurant morphs into party central at night, with a live deejay spinning music on the rooftop from about 11pm till late. So start off the evening with good sake before boogeying to the open-air bar for stronger stuff… and a heady, panoramic view of Marina Bay Sands.
ME@OUE
50 Collyer Quay
OUE Bayfront
6634 4555
This is essentially a restaurant serving up an array of Japanese, French and Chinese cuisine. But its best feature is the awesome rooftop bar that opens up into Marina Bay – it has a cool, outdoor lounge filled with palm trees, and has hosted some of the best DJs in Asia to party the night away.
LeVel 33
8 Marina Boulevard
#33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1
6834 3133
This is a beer haven for suits looking to wind down after a hard day’s work. Situated in the heart of Marina Bay’s financial district, the rooftop microbrewery offers up to six different types of beer, including a seasonal brew that changes every few months. Even the food menu is full of beer-infused dishes, guaranteed to chase your work blues away.
Southbridge
80 Boat Quay
Rooftop, Level 5
6877 6965
Overlooking Marina Bay, this rooftop oyster bar is known for its excellent seafood. It also has an extensive list of champagne, prosecco and craft cocktails. With such aphrodisiacs, one can only look forward to a night of fun.
