With the magnificent view of Jurong that it offers, the Jurong Hill Lookout Tower is a little-known sweet spot in Singapore, as far as street dancers Marcus Tan and Rachel Lee are concerned.

The tower, which the National Heritage Board has documented, has a rich history. The building was developed in the early 1970s at a cost of more than $100,000.

The 18m-high spiral tower has played host to many foreign dignitaries and royalty, including Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, former United States vice-president Spiro Agnew and Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

At one time, the top floor of the tower boasted an air-conditioned reception hall where important guests were entertained.

The seven-storey structure was once home to the well-known Hill Top Japanese Restaurant, which gave diners an unobstructed view of the sea.

Today, the Jurong Hill Lookout Tower has become a popular spot for dating couples.