Marina Bay
Marina Bay is synonymous with luxury travel. The stunning architecture, five-star hotels, and rooftop restaurants make for an exciting and busy area. Although Singapore is small in size, Marina Bay exemplifies why the country is a global powerhouse that continues to attract diverse crowds.
Merlion Park: The Merlion, half-mermaid/fish and half-lion, is the icon of Singapore. Singapore’s original name, “Singapura,” means “lion city” in Malay, which explains the lion part of the Merlion. The bottom half of the creature represents the country’s beginnings as a fishing village. This statue lives along the waterfront of Marina Bay at Merlion Park, where you can see it constantly spouting water and attracting people daily.
Gardens by the Bay: In the middle of the city lies a huge garden space filled with lush vegetation and futuristic architecture. The entire space is about 250 acres in size and sits along the waterfront. Supertree Grove and The Greenhouses are must-experience places in Gardens by the Bay.
SkyPark and Observation Deck: At the top of the luxurious Marina Bay Sands Hotel sits the SkyPark and Observation Deck, where you are presented with a 360-degree view of the city. It’s best experienced on a clear day, but beware of the unrelenting sun and heat! Admission is $23 SGD.
Wonder Full: Every night along the waterfront is truly captivating light and water show called “Wonder Full.” There are various showtimes throughout the week, with three separate shows on weekends. It’s completely free—all you have to do is show up along the Promenade and watch.
CE LA VI: Rooftop restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are all the rage in Singapore, but CE LA VI is one of the most popular. Formally known as “KU DE TA,” this luxurious lounge and club overlooks Marina Bay from the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This is hands down my favorite club in Singapore; the music is always great and the bartenders are awesome. Oh, and the view is absolutely spectacular, too
Earth Hour: Since 2009, Singapore has participated in “Earth Hour,” an environmentally-friendly festival that promotes saving the planet and preserving nature. In Marina Bay, there are stalls, vendors, food, art installations, and activities for everyone to enjoy. Lights are turned off for an entire hour—it’s definitely something to be experienced in a place like Singapore.
Travel tip: Every Wednesday night is Ladies’ Night in Singapore! This means ladies get in free of charge at most bars and clubs throughout the city, not to mention they can receive free drinks vouchers, too. Wednesdays were one of the only nights I went out in Singapore because drinks are extremely expensive and cover charge for clubs is equally pricey. If you’re a lady, take advantage of this weekly perk to experience Singapore’s wild and luxurious nightlife.