Best rooftop bars in Singapore

1-Altitude Gallery & Bar

Best for foreign reception. You’ll receive Malaysia’s phone signal and, in certain spots, signals from Indonesia may fly over as well. At 282 metres (63 storeys) above ground, the triangular-shaped outdoor bar at this self-proclaimed ‘highest alfresco bar in the world’ is indeed a magnificent vantage point, with unobstructed views of our city of lights. Bordered securely by glass and furnished with wood flooring and lounging cabana beds, this rooftop bar is one with not just Altitude but attitude – it even has a lowered dance floor in the centre for partygoers to show off their moves under palm trees. The revelry is supported by an extensive, and in parts unusual drinks list (Indian and Japanese malt whiskies, anyone?), as well as a resident DJ. Oh, and did we mention you would also be partying it up on the highest point in Singapore? One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Pl (6438 0410). Sun-Thu 6pm- 1am; Fri, Sat & eve of public holidays 6pm-2am. Drinks $12-$150. Check our listing for 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar.

Prelude

Best for cosmopolitan flair. Moored low alongside corporate and heritage buildings, and tourist attractions, it’s a good thing Prelude has its back against the bustle. Located among lush green branches on top of The Waterboat House, this open-air minimalist bar decked with dark wood floors and tables is sidelined enough for customers to have a comprehensive view of the modern architecture that’s quickly populating its area. Its unruffled setting is ideal for savouring cocktails made with fresh fruit or artisan craft beer like the Japanese Baird Brewing Beer – a Prelude exclusive. Shame it’s only open in the evenings and closed on the day of rest. Rooftop, The Waterboat House, 3 Fullerton Rd (6538 9038). Mon-Sat 6pm-late. Drinks $8-$35. Check our listing for Prelude.

Ying Yang

Best for spinning up in the sky. The Club Skybar hadn’t even had a chance to settle before undergoing a facelift. Fortunately, it was a minor procedure: only a DJ console, functioning outdoor bar, cushions and a couple of furniture pieces were inserted. Ying Yang, as it is now known, has lost some of the chill, relaxed vibe in its crossover from lounge to pre-club venue, but it still has plenty of umbrella nooks and moveable deep-seated monochromatic faux-rattan sofa pieces to keep its clientele sheltered and seat-happy. The vast floor space is now stage to three resident DJs who spin the beats on Wednesdays, Thursdays and weekends. In keeping with the balance of things, Ying Yang’s added a much-needed upbeat vibe to the mellower haunts typically found along Ann Siang Road. Check our listing for Ying Yang. 28 Ann Siang Rd (6808 2188, www. yingyang.sg). Sun-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri & Sat 5pm- 2am. Drinks $10-$16. 

Halo @ Wangz

Best for female scuttlebuttin’. The metallic façade and slate-coloured tiles make the already utilitarian bar look even more military at night, which is why at first glance it’s surprising to find the crowd heavy on the ladies. But it’s not hard to see why; this calm, standalone semi-circular space provides a refuge from the usual bar bustle. Its unobstructed panoramic point is a haven for married-with-children women who enjoy tipples with a gossip nugget or two, and Halo knows it: the drinks list has a page dedicated to seven Halo speciality drinks ($16), categorised by colours. The Gold is a concoction of champagne, gin, Tia Maria, Monin Mojito, soda water, beer and a very light dust of gold flakes. It’s a refreshing fruity mix that sips a little too easily. On Wednesday nights, there is a one-for-one cocktail deal ($14) for ladies until closing time. Okay, so maybe it’s more than just a calming vibe that’s reeling ’em in. Check our listing for Halo. 231 Outram Rd (6595 1388). Sun-Mon 4pm-midnight; Fri & Sat 4pm-midnight. Drinks $8.50-$17. 

Lantern

Best for a sneaky foot dip. On the first night after its opening, Lantern was already turning away throngs of customers. This was unexpected considering the minimal marketing that had been carried out for the now see-and-beseen rooftop bar. But if you had your eyes open, you’d have seen it coming, literally. The Fullerton Bay Hotel’s prime location among the skyscrapers of the CBD put Lantern as a prime target for anyone peeking out of their office window. The 25m pool, border of whirlpool niches, faux-rattan cabanas, live band and 5m-wide lantern-inspired bar catch your eye. The atmosphere at this former Clifford Pier site is vibrant without being intrusive; it’s not difficult to have a conversation while listening to the smooth, strong vocals of the lively Latin band. While you won’t be able to take a dip in the pools (they’re for hotel guests only), we’re sure you can sneak in a quick foot dip. Check our listing for Lantern. The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 1 Fullerton Rd (6597 5299). Sat-Thu 6.30pm-midnight; Fri 6.30pm-2am. Drinks $19++ to $43++. 

fabrika by Chivas 18

Best for gloating. When you gaze over the rails and spot suits working overtime in their office, raise your refreshing fabrika martini (Absolut Kurrant, violet syrup and lemonade, $17) and carouse in the knowledge that you’re not spending this night boxed up in a cubicle. While you’re on the fun side, sink into the seating of choice – cabana beds, bar stools, chairs, sofas or footstools – washed in the lights of the colourful mosaic lamps and shimmering candles scattered around the terrace. Balmy dance-pop streams along as you move on to the fabrika-exclusive Chivas cocktails (made with the 14- or 16-year-old Scotch whiskies, $14-$16) and tangy Chivas-marinated beef skewers ($12). It’s okay to gloat a little – others would most likely do the same when you’re the one clocking the extra hours. Level 17, Sky Terrace, klapsons, The Boutique Hotel, 15 Hoe Chiang Rd (6521 9030; www.klapsons.com). Mon-Sat 5.30pm-late. Drinks $12-$18. 

SkyPark

Best for sobering views. The bars at Skypark are due to open this month, and until then it seems everything will be kept hush hush. From what we gather, at least one bar will hold quite a selection: Singapore golden chef Justin Quek wants to provide an experience at his Skypark restaurant, Sky on 57, that reflects the moods of a day spent high above. There’ll probably be straight-but-light lunch tipples, cocktails concocted to go down with the sunset, and a wine cellar to match his Asian-European menu to the tannin. Until then, all we get are beers and hotdogs at the outpost. 10 Bayfront Ave (6688 8868). Admission charges adult $20; children $14; senior citizens $17. Charges to be waived with reservations at the bar. Beers $10; hot dogs $5. Check our listing for Ku De Ta on SkyPark.