There’s something almost surreal about watching the city come alive beneath you from 282 metres in the sky. Perched on Level 63 of One Raffles Place, NOVA is Singapore’s highest panoramic bar – but the skyline isn’t the only thing that dazzles here.
I’ve been to rooftop spots before, but nothing quite prepared me for this. The views were jaw-dropping (you’ll be tempted to whip out your phone every five seconds), and the space itself was a vibe – sleek metallic finishes, ambient lighting that shifts with the mood, and a stunning centrepiece – but more on that in a bit.
Here’s what you can experience!
Before I get ahead of myself, let’s talk pre-game. If you’re planning a night out at NOVA, here’s a tip: start one floor down at HighHouse, its sister establishment. I’ve tried some of their cocktails and dishes – and it’s great for easing into the evening with a chill dinner-and-drinks sesh before switching gears upstairs.
And don’t worry, if you’re still feeling peckish up there, you’re covered with other iconic flavours from across the Pacific Coast – as seen in the Tom Yum Fries and Indonesian-style Noodles, amongst others.
Which brings us back to NOVA. The centrepiece of this rooftop wonderland is ASTRA – a star-shaped light installation by renowned light artist Jun Ong. It pulses with life and colour, casting a glow over the whole space. Pretty cool, huh?
But let’s be real – what’s the heart of a good night out? The music, that’s right! And NOVA delivered in spades – though it did take a little warming up.
With a state-of-the-art sound system, NOVA’s soundscape embraces the future while paying homage to the past. 90s and early 2000s throwbacks sit comfortably alongside House, Urban Grooves, Afro and World Beats – a genre-spanning DJ lineup that traces the evolution of music while keeping the crowd locked in!
Things really kicked off around 11pm – that’s when the throwbacks started spinning and more people strolled in. If you’re someone who arrives fashionably late, you’ll land right on time.
I knew the setlist was about to hit when Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun started playing, and when Ke$ha’s TikTok kicked in – I called it before I even got there! – the DJ got my stamp of approval.
Sure, I raised my eyebrows at a couple of the transitions, but my heart was quickly won over by the riotous mix of One Direction, Nirvana, Nicki Minaj, and other nostalgic tracks! It wasn’t just the drinks in my hand that had me questioning how time works.
Speaking of drinks, NOVA doesn’t disappoint. While their Pacific Coast-inspired cocktail menu is definitely worth exploring – Mango Sticky Highball, anyone? – they’ve also got your classics covered. I kept it simple with a rum and coke, a whiskey and coke, and a cheeky tequila shot – just enough to loosen up and jam the night away!
Now it’s your turn!
If you’re looking for a night out that hits all the right notes, give NOVA a shot! Prepare to party under the stars, feel the energy of the city’s nightlife beneath you – and maybe, just maybe, lose track of time for a while. See you at the top?
📍Location: 1 Raffles Pl, L63, Singapore 048616
⏰Opening Hours:
- 6pm – 1am (Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday)
- 6pm – 3am (Wednesday to Saturday)
For more information and to place your reservations, check out HighHouse’s website and follow their socials on Instagram and Facebook.
Photos By Leo Chia, Luke Paglar, and Joey Daniel of the DANAMIC Team.
