Singapore’s marina is the focal point for most of Singapore’s main landmarks. So, if you’ve only got a short time in Singapore, the marina is the place to start.
This article takes you on a clockwise lap of Singapore’s marina, with a brief explanation of each landmark. Spend as long as you like at each one, and hopefully this article helps you start your research for Singapore!
Which side of Singapore’s marina should I start on?
Where you start is entirely up to you as it depends where you’re coming from and what your interests are. There’s no right or wrong place to start. Just to dive in somewhere, I’m going to start at the Helix Bridge on the marina’s north east side.
Helix Bridge
This distinctive bridge is, as its name suggests, designed in a DNA-inspired helix shape. Steel poles twist around each other, joined by light glass. The letters “c”, “g”, “a” and “t” feature along the bridge, representing the four bases of DNA.
There are several viewing platforms along the Helix Bridge which feature great unobstructed views of the rest of the marina. Like much of Singapore, the Helix Bridge lights up at night, the lights highlighting its helix shape.
ArtScience Museum
At the end of the Helix Bridge is the ArtScience Museum.
Even if you don’t go into the ArtScience Museum, it’s quite a spectacle from the outside. It’s in the shape of a lotus except that the petals are blunt at the ends. Outside is a pond strewn with lily pads and purple flowers – just one of many ways Singapore fits nature into its design wherever it can.
Apple Store
From the ArtScience Museum you’ll be able to see a huge glass sphere right on the water. This is possibly the coolest Apple Store in the world. The structure is so shiny that it almost blends into the skyline, reflecting everything around it.
From outside the Apple Store, you can watch people perusing iPads inside, looking tiny in front of a colossal advertising screen. I had never previously imagined a shop could be a feature of a skyline, but there it is!
Marina Bay Sands and SkyPark Observation Deck
Behind you is the highlight of Singapore’s skyline. Three towers topped with a boat-like platform, the Marina Bay Sands is one of the swankiest hotels in the world.
Those of us who aren’t in a position to drop £700 per night on a hotel room can still head up to the observation deck on its fifty-sixth floor. Here, you get panoramic views of Singapore’s countless skyscrapers, a full view of the marina and even a glimpse of Indonesia across the Singapore Strait. I recommend heading up to the observation deck at sunset to watch the city lights illuminate.
If you’re looking for those perfect shots of Singapore’s skyline, read about where to get the best views of Marina Bay Sands.
Gardens by the Bay and Supertrees
The Gardens by the Bay aren’t strictly speaking on Singapore’s marina. But it’s well worth taking a short detour behind the Marina Bay Sands to this peaceful green space.
Free to enter, Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are a tranquil contrast to its many skyscrapers. Thousands of plants grow here, many labelled with helpful plaques explaining their origins and their place in Singapore. The Gardens are separated into sections, including the peaceful Chinese Garden and the unique garden of Supertrees.
The Supertrees are designed as vertical gardens. They are colossal structures with greenery all the way up their trunks. At the top are branches which light up in changing colours at night. The Supertrees are one of Singapore’s best-known new landmarks.
Olympic Walk
Back on the marina, wander through the palm trees of Olympic Walk. Singapore hosted the first Youth Olympic Games in 2010. Olympic Walk’s palm trees are each dedicated to the Olympic committee of a country that participated in the 2010 Games.
Red Dot Design Museum
At the end of Olympic Walk, on the southwest corner of Singapore’s marina, is the Red Dot Design Museum. Singapore is a UNESCO Creative City of Design so this museum is an important embodiment of Singapore’s culture and outlook. The Red Dot Design Museum showcases design works that have won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, so you’ll find world-class material in here.
Fullerton Hotel
Turning onto the western side of Singapore’s marina, the upmarket Fullerton Hotel is a longtime staple of Singapore’s skyline. It was built in the early twentieth century under the British rule of Singapore and it has all the hallmarks of the grand colonial style: white exterior, neat columns and a prime location.
It’s a visual reminder of the extent to which Singapore’s colonial heritage still plays a part in the modern nation.
Merlion statue
Just next to the Fullerton Bay Hotel is the Merlion statue, a giant white fountain with a jet of water spouting from its mouth. The merlion is Singapore’s official mascot.
Jubilee Bridge
Head past the Merlion statue and cross the bay over the Jubilee Bridge.
The Jubilee Bridge was going to open in April 2015 to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Singapore’s independence from Britain. It had been commissioned by Lee Kuan Yew, a former prime minister of Singapore who had advocated for the British to relinquish their control of Singapore. As it happened, Lee Kuan Yew’s death on 23 March 2015 meant that the opening date was brought forward to 29 March 2015 as a final farewell to him.
Waterfront Promenade and outdoor theatre
Next, turn right onto the Waterfront Promenade.
The Waterfront Promenade is a wide walkway along the north side of Singapore’s marina. You’ll walk past Glutton’s Bay, a smart food court, as well as many individual food trucks along the waterfront. My favourite was the açaí bowls from The Berry Spot – you can choose your own ingredients to accompany açaí sorbet, including yoghurt, various seeds and granolas and tropical fruits. Culture vulture or not, I returned to The Berry Spot multiple times during my time in Singapore.
The Waterfront Promenade also has an outdoor theatre which is a lovely community-focused hub. As it’s outdoors, you can obviously hear the performances, so you can enjoy them even if you haven’t bought a seat. And it’s got a pretty cool backdrop of the Marina Bay Sands.
New outdoor stadium
Singapore is constantly developing. The latest new development on the marina is going to be an outdoor stadium, open to the marina on one side, with a seating capacity of 10,000. The building project is well underway and the stadium is scheduled to open in 2030. So watch this space!
When should I walk around Singapore’s marina?
My opinion is that Singapore is best experienced at night. You’ll see all the lights reflected in the bay, and I just think that represents iconic Singapore!