There are few better free sights in life than that of a beautiful sunset in Singapore. For a few minutes, the sky is a medley of orange, pink and purple, and then it’s over. Yet the psychological effects of admiring the sunset are believed to persist long after the shade has faded. Research by the National Library of Medicine shows that sunsets enhance feelings of life satisfaction and have been proven to relieve stress. Oh, and they give you a great reason to go outside. Here’s where to watch a red dot, on the red dot.
URBAN VIEWS
The Pinnacle@Duxton
The Pinnacle@Duxton has long been the pinnacle of where to catch sunset in Singapore from a HDB block. Despite being a public housing building, the 50th storey skybridge is open to both residents and the public to take in the panoramic views from its manicured 500-metre-long sky garden. We recommend watching with one eye on Chinatown as it lights up and prepares for a bustling night. The skybridge opened up again in July this year and allows up to 200 people per day at $6 per person payable via EZ-link or cash at the guardhouse.
Pinnacle@Duxton, 1G Cantonment Rd, 085301. pinnacleduxton.com.sg
Skyville@Dawson
Standing 47-storeys above ground, the rooftop garden at Skyville@Dawson towers over every other building in Queenstown. Unlike Pinnacle@Duxton, there’s no entrance fee at this HDB block, and plenty of seating and sheltered spots allow you to take it all in without breaking into a sweat. While you stroll around the property, look out for extra eye-candy in the shape of wall murals depicting Queenstown’s heritage by comic artist Troy Chin.
Skyville@Dawson, 86 Dawson Road, 141086. woha.net/project/skyville-dawson/
Esplanade Roof Garden
In contrast to the modern domes that house Esplanade’s Concert Hall and Theatre, this building’s rooftop boasts gorgeous greenery and super-romantic views of Marina Bay. It comes complete with landscaped with manicured lawns, shrub planting, small shade trees, and plenty of spots for photo opps. Position yourself correctly and you can see the Fullerton Hotel in the backdrop. The rooftop is accessible by elevator or escalator from Esplanade Mall.
1 Esplanade Drive, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 038981. esplanade.com
NATURE’S BEST
Pearl’s Hill Terrace Park
Tucked away in a corner of Chinatown, Pearl’s Hill City Park, on top of Pearl’s Hill Terrace, is one of our favourite secret spots in the city. After a short stroll from Outram Park MRT Station and a little bit of legwork, you reach the top of the hill where you can relax, feed the terrapins in the pond, and immerse yourself in a calm and wooded ambience. While not offering as vast views as building vantage points, it’s a tranquil space to say goodnight to the city. Picnic optional.
Along Chin Swee Road, Pearl’s Hill Rd, 169879
Ulu Pandan Reservoir
A relatively less well-known reservoir in Singapore, this sunset-watching spot is popular with local residents in the west, but may not be so well known to those who live more centrally. Head here for a feeling of space in a natural and serene environment as you stroll the promenade and boardwalk. It’s also a winning destination for birdwatching and a bike ride.
11 Penjuru Road, 609191
Yishun Dam
Never been to Yishun? Despite the swathes of stunning skyline available, this wouldn’t be everyone’s first choice for some sunset spotting, which is why it’s so special. Less crowds, a peaceful silence, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon a bit of a gem will add to the magic. Watching planes taking off and landing from the nearby Seletar Airport is an added bonus.
Yishun Ave 1, 769130
SIP & SEE
Mr Stork
Perched on top of Andaz Singapore, Mr Stork offers 360 degree sweeping views of the cityscape along with an observatory corner made just for viewing sunsets. You’ll find a lovely garden space with a brass pavilion bar and seats right along the edges for the best vistas. If you’re looking for a little more privacy, book one of the teepee huts and hunker down with a cocktail in hand.
Mr Stork, 5 Fraser Street Level 39, Andaz, 189354. Tel: 9008 7707
Sky Garden at CapitaSpring
The new Sky Garden on the 51st floor of the CapitaSpring building is Singapore’s tallest publicly accessible observatory deck. Watch the sun say sayonara in this veritable oasis with a side order of urban farm featuring the likes of turmeric, radish and spinach. Afterwards, nip next door to Kaarla for a meal of Aussie-inspired fare.
88 Market St, 048948, kaarla-oumi.sg/kaarla