Marina Bay Sands, Singapore: what to see, free shows and tips
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Three towers holding up what looks like a ship floating about 200 metres in the air: Marina Bay Sands is the building that made Singapore's skyline famous. The best part is that the area around it is full of things to do, and many of the best ones are free. This guide covers what to see at Marina Bay, the free light shows, how to get there and where to stay.
Marina Bay Sands at a glance
- What it is: a hotel, casino, shopping mall and museum complex on Marina Bay, opened in 2010. Its three 55-storey towers are joined at the top by the SkyPark.
- Where: Bayfront, on the south side of Marina Bay, right next to Gardens by the Bay.
- Cost: walking around the bay, the waterfront promenade and the evening light shows are free. The SkyPark Observation Deck, the museum and the conservatories at Gardens by the Bay charge entry.
- Best time: late afternoon into the evening. You get sunset over the bay, the city lights coming on and the free shows, and it's a little cooler than midday.
What to do at Marina Bay
The SkyPark Observation Deck
I went up to the SkyPark on my trip, and it's the spot that shows you the whole of Marina Bay at once: the water, the financial district and Gardens by the Bay right below. It's a paid ticket. The famous infinity pool is for hotel guests only, so you can see it from the deck at most, not swim in it.
Spectra, the free light and water show
Most evenings, Spectra fills the waterfront in front of the Marina Bay Sands mall with lasers, fountains and music. It's free and you just turn up at the Event Plaza. Show times change, so check the current schedule before you go.
Gardens by the Bay and the Supertrees
Just behind the hotel, Gardens by the Bay is home to the giant Supertree Grove. Walking around the outdoor gardens and the Supertrees is free. At night, the Garden Rhapsody light and music show plays in the Supertree Grove, also free. The OCBC Skyway walkway between the Supertrees, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest are paid.
The Merlion and the waterfront walk
Walk around the bay to Merlion Park, home to Singapore's half-lion, half-fish statue. From there you get the classic view back across the water to Marina Bay Sands. The Helix Bridge, a curved pedestrian bridge, links the hotel side to the rest of the waterfront.
ArtScience Museum
The lotus-shaped building at the foot of the hotel is the ArtScience Museum, with changing exhibitions. Check what's on and the ticket prices before you go.
How to get to Marina Bay Sands
- MRT: Bayfront station sits right under the complex. Singapore's metro is clean, fast and easy to use, and you can pay with a contactless bank card or an EZ-Link card.
- From Changi Airport (SIN): the MRT connects the airport with the city centre, with changes along the way, or a taxi or rideshare takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- On foot: from the Merlion, the Esplanade or Clarke Quay, the waterfront promenade is a pleasant walk, especially in the evening.
Tips for visiting
- It's hot and humid all year. Short, heavy tropical showers are common, so carry a small umbrella and plan indoor stops (the mall, the museum, the domes) for the hottest hours.
- Book popular tickets ahead in busy periods, especially the observation deck at sunset.
- Stay connected: maps and transport apps make getting around much easier.
Where to stay near Marina Bay
- Marina Bay Sands itself if you want the rooftop pool and the views, and the budget for it.
- Marina Bay and the Civic District to walk to the bay, the Merlion and the museums.
- Chinatown and Bugis / Kampong Glam for food, character and better-value hotels, a few MRT stops away.
- Clarke Quay for riverside restaurants and nightlife.
Planning more of Asia? Read about Japan's food and traditions and Korea beyond Seoul.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool without staying at the hotel?
No. The rooftop infinity pool is only for hotel guests. Non-guests can visit the SkyPark Observation Deck with a paid ticket for the view.
Is the Spectra light show at Marina Bay free?
Yes. Spectra is a free outdoor show on the waterfront in front of the Marina Bay Sands mall. It usually runs most evenings, but check the current schedule before you go.
Is Gardens by the Bay free?
The outdoor gardens, the Supertree Grove and the Garden Rhapsody light show are free. The Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest and the OCBC Skyway charge entry.
How do you get to Marina Bay Sands by MRT?
Take the MRT to Bayfront station, which is directly connected to the Marina Bay Sands complex.
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