Marina Bay:

Singapore’s crown jewel and a must-visit destination

About this Area

Once a simple body of water where ships anchored, this area has undergone a breathtaking transformation through ambitious land reclamation projects starting in the 1970s. Today, it's a vibrant, 360-hectare urban playground packed with iconic architecture, lush gardens, world-class dining, and endless entertainment.

Getting to Marina Bay

By MRT:
Bayfront (CE1/DT16): Direct access to Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.
Promenade (CC4/DT15): Near the Singapore Flyer and Helix Bridge.
Raffles Place (EW14/NS26): A short walk to Merlion Park and the Fullerton Heritage precinct.
Esplanade (CC3): Access to Esplanade Theatres.

By Bus: Numerous bus routes service the area (e.g., 97, 106, 133, 502, 518). Check specific routes depending on your destination.

A train is going down the tracks in a city

Top Attractions in Marina Bay

Marina Bay Sands (MBS)

This integrated resort is arguably Singapore's most famous landmark, known for its three soaring hotel towers connected by the incredible Sands SkyPark. You’ve definitely seen this place on Instagram. I stayed here once just to try the infinity pool (yes, it’s only for guests) and the view was next-level.

Sands SkyPark Observation Deck: Head up to the 57th floor for jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city skyline, Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore Strait. (Open daily, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Evenings offer sunset views and the best vantage point for light shows, but expect more crowds).

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: Indulge in luxury retail therapy with a vast collection of high-end boutiques and international brands. Don't miss the canal with Sampan rides inside!

The ArtScience Museum

This lotus-shaped building always catches my eye. I popped in one afternoon with zero expectations and ended up spending hours here. Exhibits change pretty often, but the "Future World" light installations are always a hit. Highly recommended for both adults and kids.

Future World: is an immersive digital art exhibition co-created with the renowned Japanese collective teamLab. The exhibition seamlessly blends art, science, and technology through interactive installations that respond to touch, movement, and imagination.

Merlion Park

Home to Singapore's mythical national icon – the Merlion, a creature with a lion's head and a fish's body spouting water into the bay. I know it’s touristy, but I still take my out-of-town friends here because the view of the Marina Bay skyline is epic.

This is the classic Singapore photo spot! Capture the Merlion with the Marina Bay Sands complex in the background. Enjoy the waterfront views from the tiered seating area. (Open 24 hours, free)

a statue of a lion spewing water into the air

Spectra – A Light & Water Show

Witness this free, dazzling 15-minute spectacle of music, water jets, lasers, and projections right in front of Marina Bay Sands. The best ground-level view is from the Event Plaza.
Showtimes: Sun-Thu 8 PM & 9 PM; Fri & Sat 8 PM, 9 PM & 10 PM (Always double-check official schedules)

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Singapore's premier performing arts centre, affectionately nicknamed "The Durians" due to its unique spiky twin domes.

Things to Do: Catch a concert, play, or dance performance. Even if you're not seeing a show, explore the architecture, enjoy free performances at the outdoor theatre or concourse, and head to the rooftop garden for fantastic, free views of the bay.

a large building sitting on the side of a river

Gardens by the Bay

An award-winning, futuristic park spanning 101 hectares, showcasing horticultural artistry and sustainable technology. It consist of several areas:

Supertree Grove - Marvel at the vertical gardens shaped like giant trees (up to 50m tall!). Walk the OCBC Skyway for an elevated perspective (small fee applies). Don't miss the free Garden Rhapsody light and sound show illuminating the Supertrees nightly (typically 7:45 PM & 8:45 PM - check official times).
Cloud Forest - Step into a cool, misty conservatory mimicking tropical mountain regions, complete with a stunning indoor waterfall (one of the world's tallest!).
Flower Dome - Explore the world's largest glass greenhouse, featuring themed floral displays that change seasonally.
Outdoor Gardens - Wander through various themed gardens, perfect for a relaxing stroll (Outdoor areas generally open 5:00 AM - 2:00 AM)

Insider Tips for Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Visit Gardens by the Bay early (8 AM) for peaceful exploration.
Free Photo Spots: The Helix Bridge, Marina Barrage, and Merlion Park offer iconic backdrops.
Comfort First: Wear light clothing and shoes—Marina Bay involves lots of walking.
Combine Attractions: Buy combo tickets for Marina Bay Sands SkyPark + Gardens by the Bay to save money.