Marina Bay Sands: Singapore’s Iconic SkyPark & Integrated Resort — Complete Guide
Marina Bay Sands is the most recognisable building in Singapore — a three-tower colossus crowned by a 340-metre-long SkyPark that looks like a surfboard balanced on three skyscrapers. Since opening in 2010, this integrated resort has become the defining landmark of Singapore’s skyline. Home to the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool (hotel guests only), a world-class casino, luxury shopping mall with a canal running through it, celebrity chef restaurants, and the spectacular Spectra light and water show, Marina Bay Sands is a destination in itself. Even if you’re not staying overnight, the public observation deck, casino, and mall are open to all.
The Story of Marina Bay Sands
Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, Marina Bay Sands broke ground in 2006 and cost approximately SGD 8 billion to build. The design was inspired by a deck of cards — the three towers at 55 storeys each represent the piles, and the SkyPark represents the single card laid across the top. The engineering challenge of hoisting the 12,400-tonne SkyPark into place 200 metres above ground was one of the most complex in construction history. Since its opening in 2010, Marina Bay Sands has hosted hundreds of international events and transformed Singapore’s tourism landscape, making the city-state a global destination for luxury travel and business tourism.
Cost Breakdown: Visiting Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands caters to all budgets — from window-shoppers to high-rollers. Here’s what you’ll spend:
Per person costs:
- SkyPark Observation Deck: SGD 26 (adult) — public access to level 57
- Spectra Light & Water Show: Free — 8 PM & 9 PM daily (extra show Fri-Sat 10 PM)
- Casino entry: Free for foreigners (SGD 150 entry fee for Singapore residents)
- The Shoppes at Marina Bay (mall): Free to browse
- Sampan boat ride in the mall canal: SGD 12–18 per person
- Room rates (budget): From SGD 350/night
- Room rates (luxury): SGD 600–1,500/night
- ArtScience Museum: SGD 18–22 depending on exhibition
Budget tip: You don’t need to stay or even spend — the free light show, free casino entry, and free browsing in the mall make it a zero-cost attraction if you have self-control.
Top Things to Do at Marina Bay Sands
1. SkyPark Observation Deck – The Best View in Singapore
The SkyPark Observation Deck on level 57 offers a jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline, from the Gardens by the Bay Supertrees to the Singapore Strait and the distant Indonesian islands. The open-air deck stretches 340 metres and features landscaped gardens, sun loungers, and the famous infinity pool (visible but exclusive to hotel guests). Come at sunset and watch the city transform from day to night as the skyline lights up.
Location: Level 57, Tower 3. Entrance via the hotel lobby or casino-level elevators.
Highlights:
- Uninterrupted 360° views of the entire Singapore skyline
- Stunning sunset views (best time: 6:00–7:30 PM)
- View of the infinity pool (even if you can’t swim in it)
- Gardens by the Bay and Supertree Grove seen from above
- Perfect for photography — bring a wide-angle lens
2. Spectra Light & Water Show – Free Spectacle
Spectra is a stunning 15-minute outdoor light, water, and laser show set to an orchestral soundtrack. The display takes place on the water in front of the Shoppes, with fountains shooting up to 40 metres high, choreographed with lights, lasers, and projections onto water screens. The show tells the story of Singapore’s transformation from a fishing village to a modern metropolis and draws massive crowds every night.
Location: Event Plaza, in front of The Shoppes at Marina Bay.
Highlights:
- Free, family-friendly, and runs nightly (8 PM & 9 PM)
- 40-metre fountains synchronised with music and projections
- Best viewed from the boardwalk in front of the mall
- Bonus views of the CBD skyline lit up behind the show
- Extra show at 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays
3. The Shoppes at Marina Bay – Retail Canal
The luxury shopping mall at Marina Bay Sands is unlike any other — it has an indoor canal running through it where visitors can ride traditional Asian sampan boats. Housing over 170 luxury brands, it’s a destination for window-shopping even if your budget doesn’t stretch to designer labels. The mall also features a stunning glass-and-steel ceiling, an indoor waterfall, and Crystal Pavilion — two floating glass structures that house Louis Vuitton and other flagship stores.
Location: Ground level connecting all three hotel towers.
Highlights:
- Sampan boat rides along the indoor canal
- Luxury brand flagship stores (Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Rolex)
- Indoor waterfall and beautiful architecture
- Rain Oculus — a massive kinetic sculpture by Ned Kahn
- Free air-conditioning and excellent people-watching
4. ArtScience Museum – Where Art Meets Science
Shaped like a giant lotus flower, the ArtScience Museum is one of the most distinctive buildings at Marina Bay. It hosts world-class travelling exhibitions that blend art, science, culture, and technology. Past exhibitions have included works by Leonardo da Vinci, the science of sleep, and interactive digital art experiences from teamLab. The permanent exhibition “Future World” is a digital playground where art comes alive through interactive projections — perfect for all ages.
Location: The lotus-shaped building at the eastern end of the complex.
Highlights:
- Iconic lotus-shaped architecture visible from across the bay
- “Future World” permanent digital art exhibition
- World-class travelling exhibitions from top global museums
- Interactive hands-on exhibits for children and adults
- Excellent rainy day activity (entirely indoors)
5. Celebrity Chef Dining & Rooftop Bars
Marina Bay Sands is a culinary destination with restaurants by some of the world’s most famous chefs. Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, Wolfgang Puck’s Cut, and David Myers’ Adrift are just the beginning. For drinks with a view, the rooftop bars at the SkyPark — including the famous CÉ LA VI — offer cocktails served 200 metres above the city. The views from these bars rival any rooftop bar in the world.
Locations: Various levels throughout the complex; rooftop bars on level 57.
Highlights:
- CÉ LA VI SkyBar — iconic rooftop bar with infinity pool views
- Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen — British gastropub classics
- Wolfgang Puck’s Cut — premium American steakhouse
- RISE Restaurant — massive international breakfast buffet (hotel guests)
- Lavender Bakery — affordable pastries and coffee in the casino basement
6. Casino & Entertainment
The Marina Bay Sands casino is one of Singapore’s two legal casinos (along with Resorts World Sentosa). It spans two levels with over 600 gaming tables and 1,600 slot machines. The interior is designed with opulent chandeliers and high ceilings. Foreigners enter free with a passport, while Singapore citizens and PRs must pay an SGD 150 entry fee or buy an annual levy. The complex also hosts concerts, theatre shows, and conventions at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre.
Location: Basement level of the hotel complex.
Highlights:
- Free entry for international tourists (passport required)
- Over 600 gaming tables and 1,600 slots
- Opulent interiors with crystal chandeliers
- Theatres hosting international concerts and Broadway shows
- Grand Ballroom and convention facilities
Disclaimer: Prices, showtimes, and access policies are approximate and subject to change. Check the official Marina Bay Sands website for current information. Gambling can be harmful to your finances and relationships. Please gamble responsibly.