Marina Bay Sands is more than just a hotel. It is a landmark, a destination, and an experience. Located in the heart of Singapore, it offers a stunning view of the city skyline, a range of attractions and activities, and a world-class service and hospitality. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a thrilling adventure, or a cultural experience, Marina Bay Sands has something for everyone.
In this article, we will explore the various features and facets of this amazing resort complex, and give you some tips and advice on how to make the most of your visit.
What is Marina Bay Sands?
Marina Bay Sands is one of the most famous and luxurious resort complexes in the world. It was opened in 2010, after a decade of planning and construction, and cost a whopping 8 billion Singapore dollars. It was designed by the renowned architect Moshe Safdie, who was inspired by a deck of cards. The resort complex consists of three 55-storey towers, connected by a 1.2-hectare rooftop terrace called the Sands SkyPark. The SkyPark features the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, which offers a breathtaking view of the city.
The resort complex also includes a casino, a shopping mall, a convention centre, a museum, and a theatre. Marina Bay Sands has received numerous awards and accolades, and has set several records, such as the world’s most expensive standalone casino property, the world’s largest atrium casino, and the world’s first ArtScience museum.
What to Do at Marina Bay Sands?
Marina Bay Sands offers a variety of attractions and activities for its guests and visitors. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
1. The Infinity Pool
The Infinity Pool is the crown jewel of Marina Bay Sands. It is the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, measuring 150 metres long and 1.2 metres deep. It is located on the 57th floor of the resort complex, and offers a stunning view of the city skyline. You can swim, sunbathe, or relax on the poolside loungers, while enjoying the cool breeze and the warm sun. The pool is open from 6 am to 11 pm daily, and is exclusive to hotel guests. However, you can still enjoy the view from the observation deck, which is open to the public for a fee.
2. The Casino
The Casino is the world’s largest atrium casino, with over 2,300 slot machines and 350 gaming tables. It is spread over four levels, and features a variety of games, such as baccarat, blackjack, roulette, poker, and more. The casino also has a loyalty program, called the Sands Rewards Club, which rewards you with points, discounts, and perks. The casino is open 24/7, and is accessible to anyone above 21 years old. However, you need to pay an entry fee of 150 Singapore dollars, unless you are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, in which case you need to pay 100 Singapore dollars.
3. The ArtScience Museum
The ArtScience Museum is the world’s first ArtScience museum, which combines art, science, technology, and culture. It is located in a lotus-shaped building, which has 21 gallery spaces and a 4,000-square-metre exhibition area. The museum hosts various exhibitions and events, ranging from historical to futuristic, from local to global, and from interactive to immersive. Some of the popular exhibitions include Future World, Marvel Studios, Alice in Wonderland, and Star Wars. The museum is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily, and the ticket prices vary depending on the exhibition. You can also enjoy a free guided tour, which is available at 11.30 am and 5 pm daily.
4. The Shoppes
The Shoppes is a luxury shopping mall, with over 270 boutiques and 80 restaurants. It is home to some of the world’s most prestigious brands, such as Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Prada, and more. It also has a canal running through it, where you can take a ride on a traditional sampan boat. The mall also has a skating rink, a cinema, and a digital light canvas. The mall is open from 10.30 am to 11 pm daily, and the sampan ride costs 10 Singapore dollars per person. You can also enjoy a free guided tour, which is available at 10.30 am and 3.30 pm daily.
5. The Celebrity Chef Restaurants
Marina Bay Sands has a collection of fine dining restaurants, run by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, Tetsuya Wakuda, and more. You can savour a variety of cuisines, such as French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and more. Some of the popular restaurants include Bread Street Kitchen, CUT, Waku Ghin, and Spago.
The restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, and the prices vary depending on the menu. You can also enjoy a free guided tour, which is available at 1 pm and 6 pm daily.
6. The Entertainment
Marina Bay Sands has a variety of shows and events, that cater to different tastes and preferences. You can watch a musical, a concert, a comedy, or a dance performance, at the Sands Theatre, the Grand Theatre, or the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Some of the past and upcoming shows include The Lion King, Aladdin, The Phantom of the Opera, and Michael Bublé. You can also party at the Marquee Nightclub, which features a 30-metre-high Ferris wheel and a three-storey slide.
Alternatively, you can marvel at the Digital Light Canvas, which is a 14-metre-high interactive installation that creates stunning light and sound effects. The shows and events have different schedules and ticket prices, which you can check on the website or at the box office.
7. The Sands SkyPark
The Sands SkyPark is the observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the Spectra light and water show. It is located on the 57th floor of the resort complex, and has a capacity of 900 people. You can enjoy the view from the deck, or from the SkyBar, which serves drinks and snacks.
The observation deck is open from 9.30 am to 10 pm on weekdays, and from 9.30 am to 11 pm on weekends. The ticket price is 23 Singapore dollars for adults, 20 Singapore dollars for seniors, and 17 Singapore dollars for children. The SkyBar is open from 11 am to 11 pm on weekdays, and from 11 am to 12 am on weekends. The Spectra show is free, and is held at 8 pm and 9 pm daily, and at 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
How to Plan Your Visit to Marina Bay Sands?
Marina Bay Sands is a popular and busy place, so it is advisable to plan your visit in advance. Here are some useful tips and advice on how to prepare and enjoy your visit to the resort complex:
The best time to visit: The best time to visit Marina Bay Sands is during the off-peak season, which is from July to September, and from January to March. During these months, the weather is cooler and drier, and the crowds are smaller. However, you should also check the calendar for any special events or festivals, such as the Singapore Grand Prix, the Singapore Night Festival, or the Chinese New Year, which can add to the excitement and fun of your visit.
The dress code: The dress code for Marina Bay Sands varies depending on the area and occasion. For the pool, you need to wear proper swimwear, such as swimsuits, bikinis, or trunks. For the casino, you need to wear smart casual attire, such as shirts, trousers, skirts, or dresses. For the restaurants, you need to wear formal attire, such as suits, jackets, ties, or gowns. However, you should also avoid wearing any offensive or inappropriate clothing, such as singlets, shorts, flip-flops, or hats.
The nearby attractions: Marina Bay Sands is not the only attraction in the area. There are many other places and sights that you can visit around the resort complex, such as The Gardens by the Bay, The Merlion Park and The Esplanade.
Marina Bay Sands is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the best of Singapore. It is a resort complex that offers a stunning view, a range of attractions, and a world-class service. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a thrilling adventure, or a cultural experience, Marina Bay Sands has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay, your tickets, and your reservations today, and enjoy the ultimate Marina Bay Sands experience.
