The Marina Bay Sands building is the most iconic attraction in Singapore, and one of the most recongnizable landmarks in the world. Although it is still fairly new, it has completely transformed the skyline and image of Singapore. No wonder it is widely regarded as one of the most photographed buildings in the world. When you come to visit Singapore you will undoubtedly see and photograph it, but even if you spend more time in the city (for example on Erasmus exchange) you will keep coming back to it - and its many angles and sights.
Light Show
The Marina Bay Sands Lightshow is definitely one of the coolest attractions of the building. Every night the entire building is illuminated in a 15 minute show that has two aspects to it. Firstly, a large screen of water is shot up in front of the building and a storyline projected on it as fountains play in the background. All of this is accomponied by loud music:
The second part is the building itself. The whole building is illuminated in various colors and lasers and other light beams are shot from its roof to lighten up the whole night sky.
The show occurs twice daily, 8pm and 9pm, during the week, with an additional show at 10pm on the weekends.
Definitely not to be missed, and ideally watched twice: once front in front of the Marina Bay Sands to be close to the fountains and projections, and once from the other side of the bay to truly see all those lasers and light beams come from the roof of the MBS.
Gardens by the Bay
Right behind the Marina Bay Sands, and connected via a sky bridge, is the iconic Gardens by the Bay. A number of fake "supertrees" tower into the sky. A lot of other vegetation, including other trees and grass areas, are of course real. The gardens also feature a light show at night, also accomponies by music, at 8:45pm - the perfect combiation is hence watching the light show at the Marina Bay Sands at 8pm and then making your way behind the building for the gardens light show.
The Gardens also feature two enormous greenhouses, one dedicated to flowers, and one to butterflies. Entry prices are steep, especially for non-Singaporeans, but it is a famous tourist attraction that most visitors do splurge on (unfortunately you can only buy tickets as a combo, so you cannot choose to simply skip the flower garden and only go for the more exciting butterfly garden).
Shopping, Dining, Staying
Of course the Marina Bay Sands also features lots of shops, an entire mall in fact. The lower levels are filled with luxury and other upscale shops and restaurants. There is also a branch of the famous Din Tai Fung which features Michelin dining at non Michelin prices. The Marina Bay Sands is, of course, primarily a hotel - although a pricey one. Access to the famous rooftop infinity pool is only granted to hotel guests, so if you want to visit it you'll have to cough up several hundred euros for a room.
The Marina Bay Sands is the main sight of Singapore, and rightly so. Even if you're only in Singapore for a short stopover you should try to make a quick trip to the bay part of your itinerary. If that's not possible, book a window seat on the left side of the plane and keep your eyes peeled on final approach - most flights into Changi airport fly past the Marina Bay Sands building as they land.
