Marina Bay Sands, Singapore: the hotel, the SkyPark and what's nearby

Marina Bay Sands is the building that defines Singapore's skyline: three hotel towers joined at the top by a long, ship-shaped park in the sky, standing on the edge of Marina Bay. Even if you never stay there, you'll probably visit, because the complex sits at the centre of the city's most popular waterfront. This guide explains what it is, how the SkyPark works, how to get there and what's worth doing nearby.

What Marina Bay Sands is

Designed by the architect Moshe Safdie, Marina Bay Sands opened in 2010 as an "integrated resort", Singapore's term for a large complex that combines a hotel, a casino and much more. Each of the three towers has 55 storeys, and together they support the SkyPark, which spans all three roofs and cantilevers well beyond the end of one tower.

At ground level, the complex also holds a convention and exhibition centre, a large shopping mall with restaurants and theatres, and a casino. The lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum stands on the waterfront in front. For many visitors, it's less a hotel than a small district in its own right.

Where it is and how to get there

Marina Bay Sands stands on reclaimed land on the south side of Marina Bay, facing the historic Civic District and the towers of the financial district across the water. Bayfront MRT station, on the Circle and Downtown lines, connects directly to the complex, so you can reach it without going outside.

Changi Airport is roughly 20 kilometres away. A taxi or ride-hailing car usually takes 20–30 minutes outside rush hour, and the MRT takes longer with one or two changes. Within the city, much of the bay area is easy to walk, especially in the evening.

The SkyPark: guests and visitors

The famous rooftop infinity pool, which seems to run straight off the edge of the building, is for hotel guests only. Everyone else can buy a ticket for the SkyPark Observation Deck, which looks over the bay, the financial district and, on a clear day, ships waiting offshore in the Singapore Strait. Sunset and the first hour of darkness are the most popular times, so book a slot ahead if you want that view. Rooftop bars and restaurants have their own entry arrangements; check what applies before you go up.

Gardens by the Bay

Behind the hotel, a bridge leads straight into Gardens by the Bay, a large waterfront park on reclaimed land. The outdoor gardens are free to explore, including the Supertree Grove, a cluster of giant tree-like vertical gardens covered in plants. An elevated walkway between the Supertrees charges admission.

The two huge glass conservatories are ticketed and are the best way to escape the heat. The Flower Dome holds plants from Mediterranean and semi-arid climates, while the misty Cloud Forest recreates cool tropical highlands around a tall indoor waterfall. Allow half a day for the gardens, and more if you have children.

Free light shows after dark

After dark there are two free shows. In the gardens, the Supertrees light up in time to music. On the waterfront in front of the hotel, Spectra, a light and water show, plays over the bay. Both run at set times each evening, and with a little planning you can see one and then walk to the other. Check the current schedule, since times and days can change.

ArtScience Museum, Helix Bridge and the Merlion

Next door, the ArtScience Museum hosts changing exhibitions on the meeting of art, science and technology. From there, cross the Helix Bridge, a pedestrian bridge shaped like a strand of DNA, and follow the promenade around the bay. You'll pass the Esplanade arts centre, with its spiky twin domes, before reaching Merlion Park. Its statue, a creature with a lion's head and a fish's body, is Singapore's mascot. The full loop around the bay takes about an hour at an easy pace and gives constantly changing views of the hotel.

Beyond the bay, Chinatown, the Singapore River quays and the Civic District's museums are all a short walk or one or two MRT stops away.

Who it suits and when to go

Marina Bay Sands suits first-time visitors who want the skyline on their doorstep, travellers attending events at the convention centre, and anyone who wants the rooftop pool as the centrepiece of a short stay. If you'd rather be among shophouses and hawker centres, other districts may suit you better; our guide to where to stay in Singapore compares Marina Bay with Chinatown, Orchard Road and more.

Singapore is hot and humid all year, with frequent short, heavy showers. February to April is usually a little drier. Whatever the month, evenings are the best time to be out by the water.

Practical tips before you book

• Check what your rate includes: access rules for the pool and other facilities are set by the hotel and can change, so confirm them with the hotel.
• Consider the view: rooms face either the bay and city or the gardens and sea. Check which view a room type offers.
• Book early for major events, such as the Formula 1 night race (usually in late September or early October), when rates rise and rooms sell out.
• Taxes and service charges are usually added to quoted room rates in Singapore. Check the final price before you confirm.
• Travel rules change: check the current entry requirements on Singapore's official immigration site before you go.

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Cover photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons