ION Sky in Orchard
Singaporeans love our retail therapy, which makes Orchard Road a hotspot for weekend hangouts. We’re more than familiar with ION Orchard, which has everything from luxury brands to everyday favourites like Uniqlo, Daiso and Muji.
Unbeknownst to many, however, is that there’s an observation deck on the 55 and 56th floor that’s free to enter. This observation deck is, of course, ION Sky: nestled in the posh restaurant 1-Atico with panoramic views of the city, it’s the perfect date and photo spot to jazz up your IG feed.
Here’s a glimpse of what to do at this hidden gem.
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How to get to ION Sky
Image adapted from: InMapz
To get to ION Sky, head to ION Art on the 4th floor and walk past the concierge. You should then see a lift lobby that will take you to the 55th floor, where ION Sky is located. As there’s limited capacity for ION Sky, you’re advised to contact the attraction to ensure that slots are still available before heading down for a visit.
Have a complimentary welcome drink at Atico Lounge
Image credit: ION Orchard
Here’s an easy perk to redeem if you’re there on a shopping spree: flash a same-day receipt with a minimum $50 spend at ION orchard and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink while relaxing on the plush couches of Atico Lounge. Choose from the usual coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices, or opt for the ION SKY exclusive mocktail and cocktail.
Do note that this offer is redeemable between 12pm-4pm daily, and is subject to availability.
Get a bird’s eye view of Singapore on the observation deck
Image credit: @kristenipo via Instagram
ION Sky is a relatively under the radar spot to catch a bird’s eye view of Singapore’s skyline. Thanks to its lesser-known status, it offers unobstructed views to catch the sunset – you can even take time lapses while you’re at it.
Geography enthusiasts and cloud lovers alike can geek out with these random fun facts about clouds printed on the glass.
Image credit: @happytravelller via Instagram
Apart from having gorgeous views of the Singapore skyline, your stroll down the observatory deck will be an educational one, with interesting facts about different types of clouds, the average duration of sunsets in Singapore, as well as the amount of rainfall we typically get during monsoon seasons printed across the glass panels.
Image credit: @kennytandriyadi via Instagram
The observation deck is also spacious and has ample seats for those who just want to lepak and have a HTHT session.
It’s an ideal spot to take some aesthetic #OOTD shots, thanks to the high ceilings and abundance of natural light that pours in from the glass windows.
Image adapted from: @ahhhhahaha. @iki.oki, @mikaelaoblenida via Instagram
Explore seasonal exhibits at ION Sky
Image credit: Ion Orchard
ION Sky is known to host a variety of exhibitions and pop-ups, most notably the now-closed Jurassic World Cafe and Virtually Versailles Singapore in collaboration with Air France. However, exhibitions and shows seem to have taken a hiatus and it has not been announced when or if they will be back.
Have a fancy dinner at 1-Atico
Image credit: 1-Atico
If you’re looking for a fancy dinner spot to celebrate your next anniversary, 1-Atico lets you have a gastronomic experience against a beautiful backdrop of the city skyline. What’s more, to-be-wed couples can even hold their weddings here.
The hefty 1.2kg Argentinian Tomahawk in all its glory.
Image credit: FIRE
It houses restaurants with unique dining concepts, with one of them being FIRE that specialises in Argentinian cuisine and wood-fired cooking. Carnivores will absolutely love every morsel of their grilled meat-focused offerings. Sink your chompers into their Argentinian Boneless Rib-Eye ($60), or go for their hearty sharing cuts that includes an impressive 1.2kg Argentinian Tomahawk ($210).
Image credit: @1atico.sg via Instagram
On the other hand, FLNT is another posh option that combines Japanese and Peruvian cuisines and serves up specialty cocktails. They’ve got various rice bowls such as their signature Nikkei Bara Chirashi Don ($38) that’s filled with the chef’s selection of fresh sashimi. As for drinks, sip on any one of their Mixologist Specials cocktails ($26), which are best paired with the skyscraping views of ION Sky.
Image credit: 1-Atico
Speaking of which, the Atico Lounge & Bar is just the place to soak in the city skyline while enjoying light refreshments. They’ve got delightful High Tea (from $35/pax) goodies which include dainty croissants, cakes, and scones, while those swinging by at night can indulge in half a dozen oysters accompanied with a glass of Bollinger Champagne (from $68/pax).
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Enjoy the Singapore skyline at ION Sky
Image credit: @gordon61 via Instagram
If you’re racking your brains for a date idea to impress bae or looking for a place to play tourist in your own backyard, give ION Sky a shot. After treating yourselves to some retail therapy, head up to the clouds to enjoy the Singapore skyline.
More fun things to do in Singapore:
Originally published on 28th February 2021. Last updated by Shannon Lee & Khoo Yong Hao on 5th October 2024.
Cover image adapted from: @callmeveivi via Instagram, 1-Atico