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14 Things to do in Marina Bay Singapore on a budget

by Steph

Looking for the best things to do in Marina Bay Singapore on a budget? This guide will show you a list of the free and cheap Marina Bay attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit!

Exploring Marina Bay could easily take a whole day since most of Singapore’s must-see attractions are packed within this area. From modern skyscrapers to green parks and spectacular light shows, visiting some of the best Marina Bay attractions should definitely be added to your Singapore itinerary.

Keep reading for 14 top things to do in Marina Bay Singapore, including tips on how to get discounted tickets and more! 

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Seeing the Marina Bay Sands Hotel is one of the best things to do in Marina Bay Singapore
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14 Marina Bay attractions to visit

Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is an avatar-like wonderland and among the best things to do in Marina Bay Singapore! With its massive Supertree Groves, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome, there is no shortage of things to see and do. 

The Supertree Grove is made up of 18 massive tree-like structures completely covered with tropical plants. Some of the trees are even able to harvest solar energy which is then used to light up the trees at night!

Although it’s free to roam around the Supertree Groves, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the whole area from the suspended walkway for S$ 8 (US$ 5.80) for adults and S$ 5 (US$ 3.60) for children.

Some of the other free attractions in Gardens by the Bay include Sun Pavilion, Heritage Garden, and Serene Garden. 

Supertree groves at Gardens by the Bay
Visiting the Supertree Groves is one of the best things to do in Marina Bay Singapore

Cloud Forest

The Cloud Forest has to be the coolest thing to do at Marina Bay! The conservatory is home to an incredible 35-meter waterfall surrounded by tropical vegetation and cool mists.  

You can explore the top of the waterfall by taking the elevator to the Lost World which leads to a circular pathway that runs around the waterfall. 

Make sure to get there as soon as it opens at 9 a.m as it gets pretty busy during the day. 

Admission to the Cloud Forest requires an entrance fee which also includes a visit to the Flower Dome. If you want to benefit from a discounted rate, make sure to book your ticket online.

CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO CLOUD FOREST AND FLOWER DOME

Indoor Waterfall at the Cloud Forest Marina Bay
The Cloud Forest has to be the biggest attraction at Marina Bay

Flower Dome

The Flower Dome is another cooled conservatory that features a wide variety of tropical plants and flowers. 

What I love the most about the Flower Dome is that the plants and flowers are switched out according to each season. The experience will thus be completely different every time you visit.

As mentioned above, it’s best to buy your ticket to both Cloud Forest and Flower Dome online as they are much cheaper than buying in person.

CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO CLOUD FOREST AND FLOWER DOME

colorful flowers on display at the Flower Dome in Gardens by the Bay
Flower Dome

Gardens by the Bay additional info:   

  • Opening hours: Daily from 5 a.m to 2 a.m except for the cooled conservatories which are open between 9 a.m and 9 p.m. 
  • Shuttle services are available every day from 9 a.m to 9 p.m for S$3 (US$ 2.20) for unlimited rides and are wheelchair accessible.   
  • You can book a 25-minute audio tour every day for S$8 (US$ 5.80) for adults and S$3 (US$ 2.20) for children. 
  • Closest MRT station: Bayfront  

Related post: 29 Insta-worthy places to visit in Singapore

Floral Fantasy

Floral Fantasy is one of the newest attractions that you can visit at Gardens by the Bay. It’s quite similar to the Flower Dome but far more spectacular with a unique display of flowers and plants hanging from the ceiling.

Tickets cost S$ 15 (US$ 10.95) for adults and S$ 9 (US$ 6.55) for children but since it’s quite a popular attraction, I highly recommend booking your ticket in advance. Plus, you’ll get a discount by booking online.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS TO FLORAL FANTASY

To get there, alight at Bayfront MRT station (CE1/DT16), take Exit E and follow the underground pathway, and then turn right at the exit.

Opening hours: 10 a.m-7 p.m (weekday); 10 a.m-8 p.m (weekend and public holidays)

Garden Rhapsody Show

One of the top activities to do at Marina Bay is watching the Garden Rhapsody Show. Every evening, the Supertrees light up the sky in tune with the music at 7:45 p.m and 8:45 p.m.

supertree grove at night in Singapore
Supertrees during the Garden Rhapsody Show

Marina Bay Sands Hotel

Marina Bay Sands Hotel is by far the most iconic hotel in Singapore. The three towers stand tall over the marina, topped by a boat-shaped roof that features an infinity pool!

However, the pool is only accessible to hotel guests but visitors can witness the best views of Singapore’s skyline from the Skypark observation deck on the 57th floor.  Make sure to book your ticket in advance if you want to avoid waiting in line with hundreds of other tourists.

Tip: You can get a discount if you book a Cloud Forest/Flower Dome and Skypark combo ticket.

CLICK HERE TO BUY A COMBO TICKET TO CLOUD FOREST/FLOWER DOME AND SKYPARK

girl admiring the Marina Bay Sands Hotel from Gardens by the Bay
Marina Bay Sands

On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the view with a drink, you can visit CE LA VIE rooftop bar which is also found on the 57th floor. The price of a cocktail is roughly the same as the entrance to the Skypark.

Spectra Light and Water Show

If you’re visiting Marina Bay at night, make sure you don’t miss the spectra light and water show which happens every night at 8 p.m and 9 p.m with an additional show on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m.

The laser lights dance to the beat of the music while projecting images over the water spray for 15 minutes straight! It’s simply spectacular and completely free!

colorful spectra light and water show at night at Marina Bay
Spectra Light and Water Show

Merlion Statue

A trip to Singapore isn’t complete without seeing the country’s mascot, the Merlion statue! Half lion and half fish, it attracts thousands of tourists every day, even in the early hours. Visiting the Merlion is among the top free things to do around Marina Bay, so why not take advantage of this?

Merlion statue at Marina Bay
The iconic Merlion statue at the beginning of Marina Bay area

Related post: 4-day Singapore itinerary

Esplanade Walk and Theater

Fancy a morning jog or just a casual stroll, start from the Merlion and walk over to the Marina Bay Sands through the esplanade walk. This area features the esplanade theaters which have various shows and exhibitions and about 70% of them are free! You can check out their website for more details. 

If you prefer not to walk or are simply looking for a fun Marina Bay activity, you can book this Segway tour to see all the main highlights along the esplanade walk and beyond.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A SEGWAY TOUR OF MARINA BAY

Helix Bridge

While strolling around the Esplanade walk, you’ll definitely notice the Helix bridge. Shaped like a DNA structure, it offers great views over Marina Bay Sands and the Art Science Museum. The bridge also lights up at night making it a great thing to do in Marina Bay for free!

DNA-shaped Helix bridge all lit up at night
Nighttime view of the Helix Bridge and Marina Bay Sands

Art Science Museum

Shaped like a lotus, the Art Science Museum is one of the most iconic places to visit in Marina Bay Singapore! The museum houses an ever-changing collection of exhibits and digital interactive installations that combine art and science.

The most popular one is the Future World with its Insta-famous installation; the “Crystal Universe”. Visitors get to walk through a “tunnel” with LED crystals cascading on both sides.

Tickets cost S$19 (US$ 13.85) for adults and S$ 14 (US$ 10.20) for children. If you don’t want to pay full price, you can book your ticket online to get a discount.

CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO ART SCIENCE MUSEUM

Opening times: 10 a.m-7 p.m (Sunday to Thursday); 10 a.m-9 p.m (Friday to Saturday)

girl posing between a tunnel surrounded by LED crystal lights at Art Science Museum in Singapore
Art Science Museum: Future World (Photo credit: Touann Gatouillat Vergos)

Marina Bay Shoppes

The Marina Bay Shoppes is one of the most luxurious shopping malls in Singapore with high-end stores, restaurants, and an indoor river where you can even enjoy gondola rides! If you can’t afford to shop there, you can walk around the mall for free.

Luxury boutiques at the Marina Bay Shoppes
Marina Bay Shoppes

Singapore Flyer

If you’re wondering what to do near Marina Bay, make sure to visit the Singapore Flyer. Perched at a height of 165 meters, the Singapore Flyer offers a 30-minute panoramic view of Singapore’s most famous landmarks.

You can buy tickets at the counter from 8 a.m to 10 p.m for S$33 (US$ 23.80) for adults and S$21 (US$ 15.20) for children.

If you can’t afford to take a ride on the Ferris wheel, you can still admire it from several other spots around Singapore including the bridge that connects Marina Bay Sands to Gardens by the Bay.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS TO SINGAPORE FLYER

view of Singapore Flyer over the river
The Singapore Flyer

Marina Barrage

The Marina Barrage is a dam that also serves as a recreational park. It overlooks some of the most iconic landmarks of Marina Bay and is a popular sunset spot. And the best part is that it’s completely free to visit!

Related post: How to plan a trip to Singapore and Malaysia?

Where to stay in Singapore?

The Southbridge Hotel

I stayed at The Southbridge Hotel which is found in Chinatown and only 15 minutes from Marina Bay by MRT. The hotel is perfect for solo travelers as well as couples who are looking for an affordable place to stay in Singapore.

Despite being small, the rooms are clean, modern, and totally worth the price. Prices start from US$ 70 for single rooms and US$ 98 for queen rooms.

CHECK LATEST PRICE ON BOOKING.COM

CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AGODA

Atlantis Pod @ Chinatown

Looking for the most budget-friendly hostel in Singapore? A stay at Atlantis Pod will make you feel like you’re sleeping in a spaceship! Perfect for solo travelers, each room comes with a bathroom, fridge, toaster, and free wifi.

Prices start from US$ 24 for a single capsule, including breakfast. You can also find Atlantis Pod in Little India and Bugis as well.

CHECK LATEST PRICE ON BOOKING.COM

CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AGODA


So, tell me which Marina Bay attractions are you most excited to visit? If you have any other recommendations, feel free to share them in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out my 4-day Singapore itinerary if you want to visit beyond the Marina Bay area!

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photo collage of Marina Bay attractions

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