Singapore After Dark
Many know New York as the city that never sleeps, but truth is, Singapore too is a vibrant city that stays up from dusk to dawn. Apart from clubs on the weekends, this tiny island holds scenic spots with amazing views even after dark. Armed with a keen eye and a good camera, wander around Singapore at night to find spots that look amazing on camera, perfect for those who want to up their #IGLife game.
The next time you’re out on night-ventures with your squad, you might want to consider these spots to chill and soak in the night views and take in what the city has to offer.
All photos in this article were taken with Panasonic LUMIX GX8
1. Potato Head Folk, Keong Saik Road
If you have ever been to Keong Saik Road, it was probably in the day or earlier in the evening. Known for its rustic charm, this area is home to many cafes and boutique hotels ideal for those who love the hippy life.
Iconic to the street is Potato Head Folk, founded in 2014. Standing unassumingly next to the more colourful shophouses during the day, the restaurant takes centre stage when night falls, with lights illuminating it from around and within. Not only is it a perfect backdrop to take a shot, this 4-storey restaurant features a lounge and rooftop garden for those who are looking for an al fresco dining experience.
Address: 36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089143 (Potato Head Folk)
Opening Hours: 11am – 12am
Contact: 6327 1939
Website
2. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Maxwell Road
Both a temple and museum, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is both a sanctuary for the devout and museum for the curious.
As grand as it is in the day, the splendour of the temple doesn’t diminish with the skies. It was pretty late at night when we arrived at this location, but even when it has retired for the night, its grandeur remains.
For a truly spectacular night shot, head over during evening when the lights lining the temple illuminate the building like lanterns would.
Address: 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840
Operating Hours: 7am to 7pm
Contact:: 6220 0220
3. Orchard Road/Shaw
This spot came as a surprise as we were on our way to the next location and decided to experiment with shutter speeds at one of the busier junctions at Ion Orchard’s facade. With Christmas lights filling the background, the fast moving vehicles created beams of light that accessorised the surroundings. It looked like time flying – quite literally.
4. Suntec City’s Fountain of Wealth
Fun fact: This former world’s largest fountain was designed based on the Hindu Mandala, a symbol that represents oneness in spirit and unity.
Iconic to Suntec City, this giant fountain is prettiest after sunset, when it’s illuminated by lights from the mall. After a hearty dinner at a galore of restaurants including NamNam, Pasarbella and Saint Ma, head out for a splendid view of the fountain in full swing – water flowing through the silicon bronze ring that looks like a halo from afar.
If it so happens that only the mini fountain is at work, don’t be disheartened. There’s an urban legend that if visitors walk around the mini fountain three times with their hands touching the water, they’ll gain good luck and prosperity.
Address: 3 Temasek Blvd, 038983
Operating Hours: 10am-2pm | 2pm-4pm| 6pm-7:30pm daily
Contact: 6822 1537
5. Pinnacle @ Duxton
Unofficially crowned the most gorgeous HDB flat in Singapore, the Pinnacle@Duxton is one of the tallest public housing estates in the world, standing at a towering 156-metres tall. Featuring 2 sky gardens accessible to the public, the one at level 50 offers an unobstructed view of the cityscape.
For the bokeh lovers
Given a view at a height that you can’t get anywhere else, our concrete jungle transforms into a sea of lights that illuminates the dark skies. This is even more poetic given that it was raining when we visited.
Remember to bring your EZ-Link cards along as there’s a $5 entry fee for non-residents of Pinnacle@Duxton. Limited to 200 visitors each day, we recommend that you go on a weekday to not get disappointed.
Address: 1 Cantonment Rd, Pinnacle@Duxton 50/L, Singapore 080001
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm daily
Contact: 1800 225 5432
Website
6. Sheares Road @ Marina Bay Sands
When it comes to the CBD, most people picture the view of skyscrapers and the river by Clarke Quay. If you can’t visualise it, just remember the bright yellow Maybank sign. But here’s one that might give the former a run for its money.
Located at the bridge connecting MBS to Gardens By The Bay, you’ll get to see the business district in all its glory from another perspective. Facing the street and flyer, the busy city suddenly seems so miniscule and calm from this angle, and sure left me thinking how interesting it is, that a bustling city by day can suddenly become so muted when night falls.
7. Chinatown
Now, this is a sight to behold. With shophouses and older buildings in the foreground and giant superstructures at the back, the juxtaposing views of old and new from Smith Street really opened my eyes to how rapid our little island is progressing.
Although most people don’t visit Chinatown other than to snag snacks and decors for Chinese New Year, this night view is an image you can’t get anywhere else. Business districts and cultural and sites are usually segregated in different zones, so it’s pretty interesting to see the 2 co-exist side by side. Then again, the fast progress of Singapore’s economy makes it interesting to wonder if this sight will remain in the years to come.
8. The Singapore Flyer
Does this look like a giant bicycle wheel or what?
The largest ferris wheel in the world when it was constructed in 2008, the Singapore Flyer has grown synonymous with Singapore’s skyline. While you can observe our island from 165 metres above ground, the view and experience usually comes with a heavy price tag.
But from the outside, you can see the Flyer light up like a giant luminaire, making you feel like an ant looking up at it. And if you’re gonna be around the area, hop over to the Singapore Food Trail for a gastronomical spread of local fare. Whether it’s char kway teow, satay or tapas, the food trail will regain your taste buds as well as undying love for local food.
9. Jurong East MRT
Many would wonder what on earth we could do in the far west of Jurong East. For starters, the mega shopping malls are massive and jammed packed with stores you would find along Orchard Road. But more than housing a handful of shopping paradises, it is one of the busiest interchanges in Singapore that stays above ground. With a total of 6 tracks including the uncommon curved track, magic happens when you catch sight of multiple trains leaving and entering the interchange.
With the bright lights from the streets and malls, it’s hard to believe that what was once an industrial estate has flourished to become such a vibrant cityscape that’s comparable to what you might see in town.
10. Bugis Bus Stop
When I first saw these pictures, I was almost certain they were taken at a busy street in Hong Kong. That’s until I saw the familiar 980 bus I take to go home. Surprisingly or not, this shots were taken at a bus stop in Bugis! Known for cheap steals and being the stop to alight before detouring to Haji Lane for cafe adventures, this bus stop is so photogenic because of its never-dying crowd.
We headed over this final spot pretty late at night and the crowd wouldn’t have been any more different had we gone a few hours earlier. If you’re cracking your head over how to get shots like these, here’s a few tips. Make sure the bus stop has lots of traffic, both human and vehicles. Shoot with a long shutter speed and have your subject stand super still. Voila!
Capture The Moment in Time
Introducing the Panasonic LUMIX GX8. A professional camera made for photography enthusiasts, yet portable enough to bring around without a fuss. With a 20.3 megapixel sensor, 4K capability, and dual I.S. (Image Stabilisers) for blur-free shots fit into its 133x78x63mm frame, having a professional grade camera has never felt so convenient. The GX8 also has infinite shutter speed which enables you capture night lights and beams to create that perfect futuristic sonic shot.
Singapore’s night scene may not be as outrageous and vibrant as our international counterparts like Barcelona and Tokyo, but it’s only going up from here. With a variety of modes including one just for night shots, and another for 4k burst modes, this camera is the perfect buddy to carry along the next time you head out for the night.
We took this camera with us during a trip to Cambodia, and it didn’t disappoint us there; If you’re thinking of getting a new compact camera without compromising quality, take a look at our Cambodia article to see how versatile it can be!
The GX8 with standard lens kit retails at $1,699 at authorised dealers. Find out more about it here.
This post was brought to you by Panasonic Singapore.