Exploring Singapore’s evening thrills

CEBU, Philippines -  As a rule to myself, I never travel to the same country more than twice and that's simply to allow a sense of variety to permeate my system.  I'm just like all the other twenty-somethings-fired up, restless, always in search for something new.  Singapore is an exception to the rule.  Having been there on four separate occasions, the best things about one of Asia's most modern metropolis is that you never run out of new things to immerse yourself in.

The cityscape may be impressive during the day, with towering skyscrapers jutting listlessly from the ground amidst pockets of greenery that give the city a cool, relaxed feel despite its pump for business, but as the sun leaves a glittering trail of light amidst the glass towers to herald dusk, the city takes on an entirely different, more magical light that beckons one to get out and experience the other half of the day.

Whether you are a perennial traveller to this part of Southeast Asia or a first timer looking for sights and scenes that go beyond the famous merlion at Marina Bay, here's a fresh collection of night time delights that will keep the momentum high as you cap the day in Singapore.

View from the Top

Where: Marina Bay Sands Hotel Skypark

Best Time: 6:30pm to 11:00pm

This might perhaps be one of the pinnacle experiences of your stay in Singapore, for what better way to spend your vacay than to linger for some drinks at inarguably the city's best situated hotel.  Rising high behind the Shoppes, an upscale mall housing some of the world's most luxurious brands, go all the way to level 57 slightly before sunset (sunset in Singapore comes a bit late at 6:30pm to 7:00pm) and sip cocktails while you watch the city lights flicker to life.  If you are a guest at the hotel, go for a sunset dip at the infinity pool and enjoy the free light show courtesy of the skyscrapers in Singapore's business and financial district.  Talk about taking your vacation to new heights.

Full Circle

Where: Marina Bay

Best Time: 7:30pm to 10:00pm

The best time to be at Marina Bay is definitely at night when the flurry of lights give this area an entirely different feel.  Standing from the Shoppes area, you can bask in a full-circle view of the business district's skyscrapers jutting out like neon stalagmites in front, juxtaposed by the colonial feel of the Fullerton Hotel, which used to be Singapore's old post office building.  Gaze at the abstract lotus structure of the ArtScience Museum and maybe take a stroll through the famous Helix Bridge connecting you to the other side of the bay, which will give you a sweeping view of the Shoppes and architectural feat that is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in its glittering glory.

Level Up

Where: Level 33 Microbrewery

Best Time: 9:00pm or anytime after dinner

Grab late dinner from high atop one of Singapore's skyscrapers for a sweeping view of the entire Marina Bay.  Level 33 is not just your typical bar cum restaurant.  Apart from its breathtaking location, it houses some of Singapore's best brews, masterfully crafted by their Master Brewer.  Grab a high seat near the edge of the balcony rather than be nestled safely inside and drink up to an exciting experience.  When at Level 33, make sure you don't miss out on a tall glass of their Blonde Lager.  This beer's got it all smooth and light down to the last drop.  A great view and even great beer?  I couldn't think of a better combination.

Pump it Up

Where: St. James Powerstation

Best Time: party starts at midnight!

Singapore has a thing for preserving old buildings and converting them into something cleverly contemporary.  The St. James party strip is just one of those clever conversions .  What used to be an old power station was transformed into a string of bars and disco clubs that has become a hub for young people looking for an entirely new party scene.

Keeping it Chill

Where: Peppermint Park

Best Time: 8:00pm or anytime after dinner

Part quirky, part romantic, entirely relaxing, Peppermint Park is definitely the place to catch late night drinks and just drink in the cool sea breeze minus the ruckus from a flurry of music.  This is the place for those who simply want to sit back and chill out after a day of exploring the city.  This might also be the perfect place to hang around in to jumpstart your Singapore adventure if you are arriving from the evening flight.  Dimly lit by the golden glow of lamps and candle light in certain pockets of the park, settle in one of the quaint wooden open-air pavilions while sipping a glass of Singapore Sling.

Heart of the Party

Where: Clark Quay

Best Time: Dinner time and beyond

It is no joke that the heart of Singapore's nightlife is in Clark Quay.  Undeniably bustling with life,  you can begin your Clark Quay experience with an alfresco dinner by the river before taking a stroll through what was once the center of trade during the colonial years.  Despite its upbeat and pumped up milieu, you will find yourself walking past undeniable colonial structures decked in a flurry of colors that provide a stark contrast to the backdrop of skyscrapers and neon lights.  Head for the boat ride at around 9pm just in time to catch the light show at Marina Bay as a fitting cap to a post-dinner float.

Simply Divine

Where: Chijmes

Best Time: 7:00pm and beyond

At first glance, one might hesitate to step in this place of worship-turned-boutique restaurant off Victoria Road.  Pretty understandable considering that this joint's façade is undeniably that of a gothic church from centuries back.  The interior is as charming as the exterior is intimidating as you will be greeted by a neatly manicured courtyard well-kept in the embrace of cafes and restaurants offering heavenly fill. 

   Singapore is one of the few cities in Asia that is as exciting during the day as it is during the night.  It's hard to say that one will run out of places to go and corners to explore because the truth of the matter is, every visit to Singapore will definitely surprise.