It’s hard to think that most of this area didn’t exist before 1970 as it’s mainly reclaimed land - the last section was only completed in 2009. Today this is a hub for Singaporeans and visitors alike; from the city workers in their suits rushing to work in the glittering skyscrapers, to tourists taking a gentle stroll around the bay. Be blown away by the incredible architecture – the city skyline, the Esplanade that looks like a pair of durians (the spiky, rotten-smelling fruit that is forbidden to be taken on public transport), the Helix Bridge, the ArtScience Museum that looks like an open water lily and the crowning glory that is Marina Bay Sands – the iconic building that looks like a ship sailing on top of the three towers.
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Tips
- Marina Bay is the place to be for National Day which takes place every 9th August – in the afternoon there are parades, military displays and air force members parachuting into the bay, it all ends with a spectacular fireworks display at around 8pm.
- The show for New Year’s Eve is always pretty special here too – stay at one of the Fullerton Hotels for great views.
- If the city gets too much then pop over to Gardens by the Bay.
South Bay highlights
Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
If you’re lucky enough to be a hotel guest at MBS, you get entry into the infinity pool and take what will possibly be THE most spectacular dip you will have in your life! A visit rather than a stay can still be spectacular – just looking up whilst you’re in the atrium is breathtaking. Check out the waterfall and indoor river at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, go to Cé La Vi on the 57th floor to take in the views (entry costs vary but are redeemable against food and drink so you get more for your money than just going to the observation deck) and finish your evening with the free light show Spectra as you look out over the bay.
Din Tai Fung
There is always a queue outside the MBS branch of this Taiwanese eatery, famed for its Steamed Pork Dumplings and ranked as one of the world’s Top Ten Best Restaurants by The New York Times. Reservations are not accepted at this location so if you can’t face the queue then you can always try one of the other locations across town.
Helix Bridge
If you fancy a walk from MBS to the Singapore Flyer, then wander along the helix – this beautiful bridge, inspired by DNA, offers great vantage points of the Marina Bay and is beautiful when lit up at night in colours of the four bases of DNA.
Singapore Flyer
You may have had enough of views from a height by this point but if not, head over here for a vertigo-inducing loop.
North Bay highlights
Esplanade – Theatres By The Bay
As you walk around the Bay, you’ll get to these funny looking things – some say they look like durian fruit, others a sparkly bra, either way this 1,800 seater theatre is a pretty impressive building.
Merlion
Singapore’s national icon, the statue of this mythical creature (half-fish, half-lion) offers a good viewpoint to take in the Bay.
Fullerton and Fullerton Bay Hotels
Similar names but two completely different hotels. The Fullerton Hotel is set slightly back from the Bay and was the original post office in Singapore. The Fullerton Bay Hotel is on the water’s edge and offers views across to MBS. Both offer afternoon tea and cooling beverages.
1 Altitude
The world’s highest alfresco bar is on the 63rd floor of One Raffles Place – you’ll wonder how MBS can look so small. With the dizzy heights make sure you don’t have too much to drink! Book tickets in advance on their site.