10 Best Things to Do in Marina Bay

Marina Bay has been the biggest winner in the fast-paced development of this cosmopolitan city-state. The whole Marina Bay area has undergone a transformation of epic proportions and is now the de facto centre of Singapore for visitors. The S$5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands complex is the focal point of the bay, and many of the great things to do and see in the area revolve around this epic building and resort. Our list of the best attractions at Marina Bay would of course not be complete without the famous Merlion, Singapore’s mythical symbol and most sought-after photo-op. Aside from pretty things to see, the area is packed full of fun and fascinating things to do too as well – all of which are great for the whole spectrum of different visitors that flock to this stunning spot every year.

1 Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is an incredible futuristic park featuring giant man-made tree structures (called the ‘Supertree Grove’) which towers into the sky. This Singapore attraction has won countless awards and continues to wow the endless succession of visitors who have the chance to get up close and personal with the trees by using the impressive Skywalk over the gardens. Come nightfall, the 50-metre-tall trees are brilliantly illuminated with a kaleidoscope of colours making the whole park even more spectacular. The show starts around 20:00 and is completely free (unless you want to use the Skywalk where there is a small charge).

Opening Hours: Outdoor Gardens: Daily 05:00 – 02:00

OCBC Skyway: Daily 09:00 – 21:00 (Last ticket sale at 20:00)

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953

Tel: +65 6420 6848

2 ArtScience Museum

Whilst most traditional art or science museums attract visitors purely for what is found inside them, at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore, this is not the case. Standing proudly as a landmark in itself at Marina Bay, the iconic lotus flower design of the building is simply stunning – making this attraction worth a look purely for its spectacular architecture. Inside is just as impressive, with over 20 gallery spaces across a total area of 50,000 square feet highlighting all things creative and historical in Singapore (exhibitions are subject to regular change).

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00 (last admission at 21:00)

MRT: Bayfront

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

Tel: +65 6688 8868

3 Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Perched at the very top of the awe-inspiring, three-pronged Marina Bay Sands complex, venturing up to the Sands SkyPark is a great way of seeing the iconic Singapore skyline in all its glory. Entrance is around S$23 for adults and S$12 for the kids, although some almost identical views can be enjoyed from the luxurious Sky@57 restaurant or the sumptuous CE LA VI Skybar – both of which are similarly located on the top floors of the Marina Bay Sands resort. As for that sumptuous infinity-edge swimming pool (which you’ve surely have seen plastered over Singapore postcards); that is now reserved only for guests actually staying at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel – which can be booked directly through Asia Web Direct here.

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands

Tel: +65 6688 8888

4 Merlion

The Merlion is not just any ordinary statue. This solid concrete, 70-tonne, water-spouting, half mermaid-half lion is a mythical symbol of Singapore, and probably the most sought-after photo-op for visitors to Singapore. Whilst the iconic statue is the main focal point, the surrounding area has a nice terraced seating area (free to use) where you can relax, take in the view or have yourself a little picnic (or cheeky beer at night). There is also a purposely built jetty stretching out over the water, providing a great platform for that all-important photo of the Merlion, or the rest of the Marina Bay, which is just as stunning.

Opening Hours: All day, every day!

Address: 1 Fullerton Road

5 Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer is one of the world’s largest observation wheels, and is a perfect way getting a great view of that stunning Singapore city skyline. Towering 165 metres into the sky (it also has a similar diameter – being a giant circle shape), guests can get some breathtaking views all whilst making their way around the loop at a very leisurely pace (at 0.21m per second). Famous sights such as the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, and the CBD can all be seen from the comfort of your air-conditioned capsule, which fits up to 28 passengers, although this is usually much less.

Opening Hours: Daily from 08:30 – 22:30

Location: Southeast tip of the Marina Centre reclaimed land

Tel: +65 6333 3311

6 Marina Bay Sands Casino

This gigantic 15,000-square-metre casino is part of the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel built in 2012. Inside you’ll find over 500 gaming tables, 1,600 slot machines and in the centre of it all, a huge seven-ton chandelier made up of more than 130,000 Swarovski crystals. This Singapore attraction is much more than just a place where you can throw away your holiday savings money or win big in an evening. In fact, many of the visitors here come simply just to watch the intense betting action (particularly the poker and black jack games), or play small on one of the 5¢, 10¢, 20¢ machines for a bit on fun.

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

Tel: +65 6688 8868

7 Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is a vast arts and culture centre boasting a separate concert hall, theatre and outdoor performance area. A great range of live shows, local and international musical performances and cultural displays are held regularly across this multi-purpose venue. The small minority that claim that Singapore is lacking in culture really need look no further than this fantastic venue, which also hosts regular free events, great for the whole family. Find Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay by taking the MRT to City Hall or Esplanade Circle Line station; from there it’s a short walk – just look for the two large aluminium and glass domes on the riverfront.

Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 till 02:00

Location: Buffalo Road, Little India

Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981

Tel: +65 6828 8377

8 Wonder Full at Marina Bay Sands

Every evening, the Marina Bay in Singapore becomes illuminated by a jaw-dropping, award-winning light show. Starting at 20:00 daily (with later shows too), florescent lasers are beamed across the water, projected from the top of the iconic Marina Bay Sands Resort, as well as the adjacent Art Science Museum. The great thing about this Singapore attraction is that it’s totally free, can be enjoyed from a variety a viewpoints from around the bay and if you miss it – there’s always one the next day! Get up close to Marina Bay Sands and you’ll hear the music too – but this show is really more about the visuals.

Opening Hours: Sun – Thu 20:00 and 21:30, Fri – Sat 20:00, 21:30 and 23:00

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay (visible from anywhere across the Marina Bay)

9 Marina Bay Golf Course

Marina Bay Golf Course was Singapore’s first ever 18-hole golf course and is open to the general public. As well as boasting some great facilities and challenging fairways, Marina Bay Golf Course’s real speciality is its stunning views that it boasts over the Singapore skyline and vast Marina Bay. You’ll find a host of tricky water traps, awkwardly placed bunkers and there’s also a driving range and putting green to brush up on your skills before taking to the main course, which has a par of 72 (over 18 holes).

Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 07:00 – 22:00

Address: 80 Rhu Cross, Singapore 437437

Tel: +65 6342 5730

10 CE LA VI (formerly KU DE TA)

CE LA VI bar (formerly KU DE TA) enjoys one of the best views in Singapore. Its location on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands offers uninterrupted views of the city and bay. With a cocktail costing around the same price as entry to Marina Bay Sands observation desk and CE LA VI’s slightly more elevated location, it has quickly become one of Singapore’s hottest rooftop venues. For those not lucky enough to be staying at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, a few drinks at CE LA VI Singapore is a perfect way to enjoy a little of the luxury this iconic building has to offer.

Opening Hours: 11:00 – late daily

MRT: Bayfront

Address: Marina Bay Sands North Tower, 1 Bayfront Avenue

Tel: +65 (0) 6688 7688