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 spending more than $50 when you visit the mall will let you redeem a free ticket to ION Sky, that’s located on the 55/56th floor of the building. Apart from offering panoramic views of the city, this posh place is perfect for a chill, quiet date and is a photo-spot with natural lighting to jazz up your IG feed.
Here’s a glimpse of what to do at this hidden gem.
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.
Image adapted from: @ahhhhahaha. @iki.oki, @mikaelaoblenida via Instagram
When you spend a minimum of $50 on a same-day receipt, access this stunning lookout point for free, and receive a complimentary welcome drink at the 1-Atico Lounge.
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. Pre-Covid, they also used to screen shows such as Adventures in Food Wonderland by Ang Ku Kueh Girl and Friends.
Exhibitions and shows seem to have taken a hiatus this period and it has not been announced when or if they will be back.
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.
It houses restaurants with unique dining concepts – with FIRE that specialises in Argentinian cuisine and wood-fired cooking, FLNT that combines Japanese and Peruvian cuisines and serves up specialty cocktails, and 1-Atico Ultra-Lounge that’s set to be opening soon in March 2021.
Opening hours: 12pm-11pm, Daily
Telephone: 6970 2039 | 8028 1489 (Whatsapp)
Image credit: @gordon61 via Instagram
To get there, use the lift at ION Art on the mall’s fourth floor near the concierge. Each receipt with a minimum of $50 spent gets you one ticket – which you can redeem by showing your receipt at 1-Atico. 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.
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.
Price: Free admission with minimum $50 spend at ION
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard, Level 55/56, Singapore 238801
Opening hours: 12pm-4pm, Daily
More fun things to do in Singapore:
Originally published on 28th February 2021. Last updated by Kezia Tan on 31st May 2022.
Cover image adapted from: @mikaelaoblenida, @yippi312, @ion_orchard via Instagram
BRB, booking a trip to Japan now.
A retro skating rink, White Rabbit cafe, and arcade all under one roof in air-conditioned…
What’s that sound? It’s the Cadbury Breakaway chocolates calling your name.
80s and 90s kids will agree that these old go-to fast food joints need to…
No need to do extra homework of researching and planning an itinerary. Just pack and…
#3 has rare Japanese snacks and anime merch.