Best Singapore rooftop bars

Never mind Singapore’s heat and humidity or the risk of heavy downpours, the recent boom of rooftop bars has tipplers and teetotalers eager to risk the weather to drink in the view: pink and orange sunsets over a sea of skyscrapers, the day winding down in busy Chinatown, night lights and laser beams painting shapes and figures in the sky.

Here are the best al fresco spots to enjoy Singapore’s spectacular skyline.

1-Altitude

Hands-down, 1-Altitude has the most comprehensive view of the city.

At 282 meters above sea level atop the OUB Building, this world’s highest al fresco bar has an unobstructed view of the city from the heart of the financial district.

When it rains and when winds pick up, this entirely open-air space furnished with day eds and colorfully-lit chairs is closed for safety reasons, so check the weather before heading over.

What to drink: Chocolate Sidecar (cognac, lemon juice and creme de cacao), S$16

OUB Building, 1 Raffles Place; +65 6438 0410; www.1-altitude.com

Breeze

Sitting atop the 1924 art deco corner shophouse that is The Scarlet boutique hotel is this fourth-floor bar and restaurant frequented by yuppies drawn to romantic enclaves.

And no wonder, this rooftop overlooking Chinatown’s red tiled roofs is a largely private, turned-down space with daybed coves and tables shaded by trees speckled with warm Christmas lights.

The Mediterranean-influenced menu also caters to the amorous; an oyster platter for two, Champagne and grilled meat; it’s all been thought out.

If things get too hot, couples won’t have to leave this sanctuary, they can just head downstairs and get a room.

What to drink: Golden Passion (Passion fruit juice, peach schnapps, Absolut Mandarin), S$16

33 Erskine Road; +65 6511 3326; www.thescarlethotel.com

Halo Rooftop Lounge

This semi-circular space’s metallic façade and slate-colored tiles add some military style to the sunny yellow-lit bar with orange stools.

Army buffs will like this seventh-story observation deck at Wangz Hotel: this outdoor watchtower space is not just airy, it also has bird’s-eye view of the surrounding residential flats.

Halo’s Tiong Bahru location may mean it’s a little removed from the hustle of downtown and the bustle of the business district, but come Sports Night the atmosphere is as good as any other.

Go during happy hour (Monday-Saturday: 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Sunday: all day) when it’s two-for-one wines, draught beers and house pours.

What to drink: Chocolate’s Dreaming (rum, Kahlua, Bailey’s, chocolate syrup, milk, whipped cream), S$16

231 Outram Road; +65 6595 1388; www.wangzhotel.com

Helipad

You can’t really land a chopper on this massive roof -- the "H" is made of decorative light boxes that double up as seats -- but don’t sweat it.

If you wanted your ’do messed up and your grooves stifled by throngs of people, you would have been partying on the other side of the river, at Clarke Quay central.

Instead, you get to raise your unobstructed elbows with Helipad Iced Teas and sway to the gentle Singapore River breeze.

If you arrive earlier on weekdays (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.), beers and house pour spirits are S$5++ per glass, and wines are two-for-one. Now that would definitely make for a nice landing.

What to drink: Helipad Iced Tea (Bacardi 151, Blue Curacao, lime juice), S$18

#05-22 Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen St. +65 6327 8118; www.helipad.com.sg

Kinki Rooftop Bar

After more than a year since this colorful graffiti-slicked Japanese restaurant’s opening, its rooftop space is finally open.

Step past the red lanterns at the entrance into an equally vibrant post-nine-to-five world of cocktails with distinctly Nipponese twists –- umeshu, pickled plums and yuzu sake count as typical ingredients alongside vodka, rum and liqueurs.

Dishes like sushi, temaki and okonomiyaki topped with smoked bacon make for good finger food, while enjoying the cool catchment breeze of Marina Bay and the surrounding business district skyline.

What to drink: Spicy Hachimitshu (vodka, honey umeshu, wasabi gomme, fresh lemon, Japanese cucumber), S$16

#02-02 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay; +65 6533 3471; www.kinki.com.sg