Taking OOTDs To The Highest Level
Instagram has become our outlet to share carefully put-together #OOTDs. And nothing compliments an outfit better than a beautiful background. It’s a challenge to find photogenic spots in Singapore, it seems all you friends are already in on the best locations. So here’s a list that’ll help elevate your #OOTD game.
We’ve become obsessed in our search for the most photogenic places in Singapore. We’ve went on adventures to suss out the quirkiest places, hidden university spots and most secret insta-worthy places. And now, we’re attempting something we’ve never done before – we’re hitting the rooftops of Singapore.
No, this list does not include mainstream spots like Marina Bay Sands Skypark or One Altitude. Instead, you’ll find 15 rooftops in Singapore that are obscure as they are incredibly insta-worthy. And they’re all accessible legally… and free!
And if you’re out of ideas on what to wear, we’ve also included the perfect outfits to go with them.
Note: We do not encourage breaking out of the exits to access the roofs of high buildings. Please be a safe, law-abiding Instagrammer.
1. Golden Mile Complex
Update: The golden mile complex rooftop is now not open to the public.
Knowing how culturally diverse Singapore is, it isn’t surprising to find cultures converging here. An iconic building known for looking like a huge staircase from afar, Golden Mile Complex is home to all things Thai.
We stumbled upon this elusive space by chance. A hidden gem, we say. Take the office lifts up to the 9th floor and exit through the door less than 100m ahead of you. This place may just get more popular once the word gets out, so head there before it appears all over your feed!
Address: 6001 Beach Rd, Singapore 199589
Nearest MRT Station: Nicoll Highway MRT
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top (White) $29.90, WOMEN Flannel Check Long Sleeve Shirt (Navy) $39.90, WOMEN Chino Micro Shorts (Black) $29.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (Black) $14.90, MEN Flannel Check Long Sleeve Shirt (Dark Green) $39.90, MEN Twill Shorts (White) $19.90
2. Republic Polytechnic
The uppermost level of the multi-storey car park at RP made us feel like we were on an overwatch tower. It’s potentially be the next in location to do casual people watching (read: stalking) on a slow day in school. With vines creeping up and adorning the fences, what would otherwise be a plain, concrete space now looks like a breathable garden.
Address: 9 Woodlands Ave 9, Singapore 738964
Nearest MRT Station: Woodlands MRT
Directions: Head towards the multi-storey car park near Block E2 & E4. Take the lift up to the 6th floor.
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Sleeveless Top (Beige) $14.90, WOMEN Flannel Long Sleeve Long Shirt (Wine) $49.90 , WOMEN Chino Micro Shorts (Beige) $29.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism V Neck T-Shirt (Black) $14.90, MEN Geometric Printed Short Sleeve Shirt (White) $29.90, MEN Twill Shorts (Wine) $19.90
3. Orchard Central Shopping Mall
Orchard Central has always intrigued me with its long escalators all around the mall. At 12 stories high, this shopping mall is a tall treasure box waiting to be explored. If you ever find yourself looking up at the stretch outside iStudio, feed your curiosity and you’ll end up where we did, the Orchard Roof Garden. Grab a beer with a view at Sumiya while you’re at it!
Address: 181 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238896
Nearest MRT Station: Somerset MRT
Directions: Take the lift to the 11th floor before ascending the stairway that leads to level 12.
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Sleeveless Top (Navy) $14.90, Denim Cropped Leggings Pants $29.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (Black) $14.90, MEN Skinny Fit Tapered Jeans (Air) $59.90, MEN Denim Long Sleeve shirt $49.90
4. Pinnacle@Duxton
It’s illegal to get to the top of HDB blocks in Singapore, but here’s an even more stylish alternative with a bird’s eye view of both land and sea – Pinnacle@Duxton.
Visitors have to pay an entrance fee of $5 each to enter the Sky Garden at Pinnacle@Duxton, but we definitely recommend it. The best time to visit is in the evening, where you can witness the sunset from a kickass vantage point and enjoy the cool breeze.
Address: 1 Cantonment Rd, Pinnacle@Duxton 50/L, Singapore 080001
Nearest MRT Station: Outram Park MRT, Tanjong Pagar MRT
Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 9:45 PM (Residents), 9:00 AM – 9:45 PM (Members of the public)
Directions: Through the entrance to the Sky Garden at Pinnacle@Duxton stretches from Block 1A to 1G, visitors have to proceed to Block 1G Level 1 to make payment at the MA Office (located beside the lift lobby) prior.
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top (White) $29.90, WOMEN Light Pocketable Parka (Black) $49.90, WOMEN Chino Micro Shorts (Green) $29.90,
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (Grey) $14.90, MEN Light Pocketable Parka (Olive) $49.90 , MEN Dry EX Shorts (Black) $24.90
5. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
The baby of all hospitals in Singapore, KTP is relatively new with a modern take. The 5-year old building is designed like a resort – making it perfect for an urban garden. Trust us, we didn’t feel like we were in a hospital at all.
In all seriousness, we wouldn’t want to be disrupting patients and medical personnel as they go about their duties and routines. Be gracious and keep your #IGLIFE activities discreet in the hospital!
Address: 90 Yishun Central, 768828
Nearest MRT Station: Yishun MRT
Directions: At Tower C, take the lift up to the 6th floor. The rooftop garden on the 7th floor is not accessible, but the stairwells outside the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic more than made up for it. Find an amazing view of the Lower Seletar Reservoir from Staircase C2!
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Scoop Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt (White) $14.90, Denim Cropped Leggings Pants $29.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (White) $14.90, MEN Flannel Check Long Sleeve Shirt $39.90, MEN Skinny Fit Tapered Jeans (Air) $59.90
6. * SCAPE
Teenagers and young adults like myself will frequent *SCAPE for the affordable shopping and flea markets that liven up the place on weekends. The same enclave where we prod around for cheap clothes and accessories is also one that dancers call home.
For a view overlooking the wide cityscape of Orchard Road, we headed up to the 4th floor of the mall where O’School is. Once the sun sets, this space will be flooded with dancers so we recommend that you come at noon, when it’s pretty much a ghost town.
Address: 2 Orchard Link #04-01, Singapore 237978
Nearest MRT Station: Somerset MRT
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top (Light Orange) $29.90, WOMEN Leggings Pants (White) $29.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (Light Grey) $14.90, MEN Oxford Slim Fit Short Sleeve Shirt (Pink) $29.90, MEN Twill Shorts (Black) $19.90
7. Lucky Plaza
Tucked in between Paragon and Tangs, Lucky Plaza is the place to go for budget shopping, good food, and of course, Jollibee. A mall busking in Filipino culture, a short stroll through the mall brought me to the Philippines in an instant. It is a good place to go if you feel like escaping the country without actually leaving it.
For another hidden place that makes for an impressive #OOTD shot – head up to the carpark at level 8. Have your breath taken away by the panoramic view you’ll find at this open space. You’ll know what we mean when you visit this location!
Note: It’s an active carpark so don’t get too carried away and watch out for your own safety.
Address: 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863
Nearest MRT Station: Orchard MRT, Somerset MRT
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top (White) $29.90, WOMEN Flannel Check Long Sleeve Shirt (Navy) $39.90, WOMEN Leggings Pants (Dark Green) $29.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (Light Grey) $14.90, MEN Reversible Parka (Navy) $49.90, MEN Sweat Pants (Olive) $39.90
8. Singapore Polytechnic
“Singapore Poly so old, got Instagrammable places meh?”
Old is gold, haven’t you heard? These places have always been there under nose, though the treasures of the old campus are often best kept secrets of the students. Today, we shed light on one of them.
The SPorts Arena is not widely visited while I was in school, but these minimalistic fences make perfect backdrops for quick Instagram shots in between classes. Because the area is newly renovated, everything is pretty! Also, SP Students play Tennis here so this is eyecandy zone too. *wink*
Address: 500 Dover Rd, Singapore 139651
Nearest MRT Station: Dover MRT
Directions: From Dover MRT station, go past the Auditorium, McDonald’s and the Student Service Centre before you reach Food Court 5. Right next to the Food Court is SPorts Arena. Take the lift up to the 5th storey for a view, and fresh air if you need a breather.
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top (Orange) $29.90, MEN Geometric Printed Short Sleeve Shirt (White) $29.90, WOMEN Chino Micro Shorts (Beige) $29.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (Blue) $14.90, MEN Oxford Slim Fit Short Sleeve Shirt (Blue) $29.90, MEN Twill Shorts (Beige) $19.90
9. Suntec City Sky Garden
A mall isn’t just about shopping, food and amenities. For one that has been around since 1997, the drastic renovation of the North Wing in recent months makes Suntec City worthy of exploration again. The layers of greenery were pitched against the concrete buildings at the back, making the sky garden look like an urban rainforest.
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
Nearest MRT Station: Esplanade MRT, Promenade MRT
Directions: Head up to the 3rd level of the North Wing at Suntec City, walk past True Fitness, and head to the Sky Garden. The trick is to experiment with angles to get this effect.
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top (Blue) $29.90, WOMEN Chino Micro Shorts (White) $29.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (White) $14.90, MEN Flannel Check Long Sleeve Shirt (Blue) $39.90, MEN Twill Shorts (Blue) $19.90
10. Bukit Batok Central
Carparks are often stifled in clusters of flats, but at Bukit Batok Central, high-rise HDB blocks are generously spaced out for a clear backdrop. This place has great potential for photo opportunities aplenty, especially with the occasional pop of color against the bland and boring gray.
Address: Blk 622 Bukit Batok Central, Singapore 650622 (Right next to West Mall)
Nearest MRT Station: Bukit Batok MRT
Directions: Exit West Mall on the ground floor, through the back door close to Llao Llao. Find the carpark opposite on Block 622A. With Bukit Batok Community Club right across the road, take the lift up to the 6th storey.
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Scoop Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt (White) $14.90, WOMEN Printed Flare Skirt $14.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (Dark Grey) $14.90, MEN Sweat Pants (Navy) $39.90
11. Rochor Centre (Update: Now demolished)
Update: The Rochor blocks have since been demolished.
Rochor Centre, home to some of the most iconic HDB flats in Singapore, is worlds apart from the hectic Bugis district. When we visited this place, we found ourselves weaving through the walkways of food joints that still operate on the ground floor, along which residents went about their daily lives.
This place is not that much of a secret, but it’s one that you have to shoot at before it gets demolished in 2016. Needless to say, the coloured blocks are sure to bring an edgy vibrancy to your pictures.
Address: 1 Rochor Rd, Singapore 180001
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis MRT, Little India MRT
Available buses: 48, 57, 170, 851, 960, 980
Directions: Take the lift up to the 4th level for a view with the bright coloured buildings right in your background.
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top (Black) $29.90, WOMEN EFC Patterned Long Sleeve Shirt (Pink) $39.90 , WOMEN Leggings Pants (Maroon) $29.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (Black) $14.90, MEN Reversible Parka (Wine) $49.90, MEN Sweat Pants (Grey) $39.90
12. Bukit Batok Crescent
Nestled in the industrial area away from civilisation, this rooftop remains unnoticed by many. We only found out because our photographer used to work in the vicinity. In a city with buildings packed tightly next to one another, where else can you find a quiet and secluded rooftop with unobstructed views like these? It’s considerably well hidden for now, so you’re welcome.
This place might be a little tricky to find if you are unfamiliar with the area. But things get pretty straightforward after you enter the right lobby.
Address: The Spire, 10 Bukit Batok Crescent 658079
Nearest MRT Station: Bukit Batok MRT
Directions: At The Spire, take lifts 3 or 4 all the way up to Level 12. Follow the linkway on your right towards the enterprise building.
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Camisole (Natural) $14.90, WOMEN Chino Micro Shorts (White) $29.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism V Neck T-Shirt (Inner wear) $14.90, MEN Dry Ex Polo Shirt (White) $29.90, MEN Twill Shorts (Beige) $19.90
13. People’s Park Complex
In a conversation about photogenic rooftops in Singapore, this is the first that comes to mind. But the tall yellow building at People’s Park Complex is on the verge of becoming an overused background, so look for a different angle that overlooks the cityscape of Chinatown instead!
Address: 1 Park Road, Singapore 059108
Nearest MRT Station: Chinatown MRT
Directions: Take the lift up to the 5th floor, take the stairs to your right and you’ll find Lepark as you exit. From there, take your pick to where you rock your shoot. There’s so much space all around, it’s entirely up to you.
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top (White) $29.90, WOMEN Extra Fine Merino V Neck Cardigan (Red) $39.90, WOMEN Leggings Pants (White) $29.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (Inner wear) $14.90, MEN Washed Striped Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt (Navy) $29.90, MEN Twill Shorts (Dark Green) $19.90
14. Blk 190 Toa Payoh
Starkly contrasting the 3-storey shophouses surrounding the HDB Hub are these ridiculously tall blocks that’ll sound off ‘Five Stars Arising’ at the back of your heads as you pass. There’re no lack of rooftop carparks in Singapore, but this one gives you the best view of the 5 Toa Payoh giants within one frame, each stretching 40 storeys into the sky.
While you’re at that, experiment with the spiralling driveways of the carpark!
Address: 190 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310190
Nearest MRT Station: Toa Payoh MRT
Directions: From Toa Payoh MRT, exit the HDB HUB and walk along the stretch of shops till you reach Pretty International on your left. Stop opposite Starbucks, take the lift up to the 5th floor and follow the stairs on your right.
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Sleeveless Top (Beige) $14.90, WOMEN Light Pocketable Parka (Grey) $49.90, WOMEN Pile Lined Sweat Pants (Grey) $39.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (Blue) $14.90, MEN Sweat Pants (Navy) $39.90
15. Central Horizon @ Toa Payoh
For obvious reasons, you can’t go all the way up to the 40th storey, but we’ll take whatever we can get. These tall flats seriously take HDB living to the next level, with an open garden constructed on the 12th floor for residents to go about their morning workout, or simply chill and take a breather. From up high, you can relish the view of one of Singapore’s oldest estates to date. That was pretty surreal for me.
Address: Central Horizon, Singapore 312078
Nearest MRT Station: Toa Payoh MRT
Directions: Walk towards Toa Payoh HDB Hub from the public library. In the near distance, you’ll spot these uber-high HDB blocks with yellow cyclical structures at the top. It’s hard to miss.
On Beatrice: WOMEN AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top (Pink) $29.90, WOMEN Light Pocketable Parka (Pink) $49.90, WOMEN Fold Over Leggings (Black) $49.90
On Jonathan: MEN AIRism Crew Neck T-Shirt (White) $14.90, MEN Light Pocketable Parka (Red) $49.90, MEN Twill Shorts (Black) $19.90
Live life on edge
If you’re the sort who would go to great lengths and heights just for a picture, here’s your chance at doing so without getting into trouble, jeopardizing your safety or breaking the law.
In the sweltering heat that Singapore’s baked in, outdoors shoots can be challenging and sweaty, let alone being right under the sun on rooftops. Don’t even get me started on how difficult it is to look on point during the shoots after a long, exhausting journey to the west.
Don’t pass on these ridiculously photogenic rooftops though, come prepared instead. Between dressing comfortably and fashionably, you shouldn’t have to choose. With UNIQLO’s AIRISM Range, our models have managed to work it from the north to the west, at shopping malls and HDB estates.
UNIQLO AIRISM
The AIRISM apparel is ideal as activewear – its lightwear nature made our models feel like they were in their own skin the whole time. Also, the material releases perspiration and humidity in the garment to keep you dry and comfortable in the merciless weather, so layering is no longer a suffocating style to work. Now that leather jacket of yours can come out to play even on sunny days.
If we can’t make Singapore snow, at least we can be comfortably dressed for the tropical heat right?
Models are all decked in UNIQLO clothing pieces.
Browse the AIRISM catalogue here!
This post was brought to you by UNIQLO.