What is Marina Bay famous for? Above all, its skyline. The three towers of Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion, the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay and the spiky Esplanade domes all sit around one stretch of water. Together they make the view many people picture when they think of Singapore.
Below, we explain each landmark, what it means to the city and how to see it. For more about the area, browse our Marina Bay guides.
Why Marina Bay became the face of Singapore
Much of the land around the bay was reclaimed from the sea. It was planned as an extension of the city centre, with offices, homes, hotels, gardens and public spaces around the water. The older financial district around Raffles Place forms one side of the view. Newer landmarks fill the other side.
Marina Barrage, a dam across the mouth of the bay, turned the water into a freshwater reservoir. It also keeps the water level steady. The calm surface reflects the city lights at night, which is why so many photos of Singapore are taken here. You can visit Marina Barrage for free and see the skyline from its grassy roof.
The Merlion: a symbol of Singapore
The Merlion has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The lion stands for Singapura, the Malay name for Singapore, which means lion city. The fish recalls Singapore's early days as a fishing village. The design began as a symbol for the tourism board, and today you see it on souvenirs everywhere.
The large Merlion statue stands in Merlion Park, spouting water into the bay. Nearby is the Fullerton Hotel Singapore, a grand heritage building that was once the General Post Office.
Marina Bay Sands and its SkyPark
Marina Bay Sands is easy to spot from almost anywhere around the bay. Its three hotel towers are joined at the top by the SkyPark. This long platform sits across all three roofs and sticks out at one end. Many people say it looks like a ship resting on the towers.
The rooftop infinity pool is for hotel guests only. Anyone can buy a ticket for the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. Next door, the ArtScience Museum is a white building shaped like a lotus flower.
Gardens by the Bay and the Supertrees
Gardens by the Bay reflects Singapore's idea of being a city in a garden. Its Supertrees are tall steel structures covered in living plants. Some of them collect rainwater and carry solar panels. At night they glow during Garden Rhapsody, a free light and music show.
Two large glass domes sit nearby. The Flower Dome holds plants from cooler, drier climates. The Cloud Forest has a tall indoor waterfall and plants from cool, misty mountains.
Esplanade, the Helix Bridge and the Singapore Flyer
Three more landmarks complete the view around the water.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is Singapore's main centre for the performing arts. Its two domes are covered in spiky sunshades. Many people say they look like durians, the spiky tropical fruit.
The Helix Bridge
The Helix Bridge is a footbridge with curved steel spirals that twist like a strand of DNA. It lights up after dark.
The Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is a giant observation wheel at the edge of the bay. One full turn takes about half an hour and gives wide views over the city.
Fireworks, light shows and the Grand Prix
Marina Bay is also famous as a stage for big events. On New Year's Eve, crowds gather around the water to watch fireworks over the bay. National Day celebrations often bring fireworks here too.
The Singapore Grand Prix is a Formula One night race on city streets near the bay. On most other evenings, the free Spectra show lights up the water in front of Marina Bay Sands. Our guide to free light shows in Singapore explains how to see it.
To see these landmarks in one visit, follow our one day in Marina Bay plan. Or pick from our list of things to do in Marina Bay.
FAQs about what Marina Bay is famous for
Why is Marina Bay so famous?
It brings many of Singapore's best-known landmarks into one view, including Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion and the Supertrees. That skyline is the image many people link with Singapore.
What does the Merlion stand for?
The lion head stands for Singapura, the Malay name meaning lion city. The fish body recalls Singapore's past as a fishing village.
Is Marina Bay man-made?
Much of the land around it was reclaimed from the sea. Marina Barrage then turned the bay into a freshwater reservoir.
What is the best way to see Marina Bay's landmarks?
Walk the waterfront loop by day, then come back after dark for the lights. For a view from above, try the SkyPark Observation Deck or the Singapore Flyer.
