Just off the southern tip of Malaysia, Singapore is one of the easiest places to explore thanks to the efficient transport options available. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system spans most of the city-state, allowing locals and travelers alike to get to places in a relatively short amount of time. The buses and taxis are also extremely efficient and always on time, however I personally preferred the MRT.
My personal best views of Singapore’s skyline were reached via the inexpensive MRT system (and some generous walking). Go ahead… board an MRT train and check out the best views this island has to offer.
Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Chances are you’ve seen some photos on your favourite social network. You’ve craved going for a dip in the infinity pool with a corona in hand, amazed at the view in front of you. The Marina Bay Sands resort potentially has one of the best views of Singapore’s panoramic skyline. Needless to say, there’s generally a price to pay for the view and you may only use the pool if you have booked accommodation in the resort – a price well worth it if you ask me. If you are not a resident though, don’t worry. A separate entrance fee for the observation deck is still available and you will get to see the same panoramic view which includes seeing the Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Barrage and the Singapore Strait to mention a few.
Gardens by the Bay
The Marina Bay Sands Skypark is amazing. The Gardens by the Bay are fucking awesome. As the name implies, you are in a massive garden; but not just any garden. This iconic place offers one of the best vantage points of Singapore. From the Skyway you will get to see a good part of the skyline along with the pretty buildings known as the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. The Super Trees, as they are known, are incredible and in the evening they are lit in different colours, making you feel like you’re in an Avatar movie!
Marina Barrage
When I visited, the Marina Barrage wasn’t as busy as the other places. Truth be told, the sound of working drones could ruin the ambiance, but I doubt it, especially when you have one hell of a skyline in front of you. The Marina Barrage is practically a dam and a reservoir which connects five rivers, providing water storage and flood control to mention a few. The skyline gives an extremely good view of the Singapore Flyer (Ferris wheel), the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark too. This isn’t all though. Looking on the right hand-side of the Singapore Flyer, you will also see the east side of Singapore known as Marina East which includes the Gardens by the Bay East. Behind the Barrage you will get the chance to see the blue, endless Singapore Strait which is very often filled with huge tankers due to the Indonesia-Singapore border which is considered a main trading route.
Merlion Park
If you are in the area, you probably just finished your shopping spree. Before the amount of cash you just spent hits you, drop by Merlion Park to pass away peacefully under a spitting Merlion statue (yes, a combination of a mermaid and a lion). The Merlion is a very well known tourist icon and this isn’t the only one in Singapore (I will not ruin the adventure for you). The skyline from Merlion Park is also beautiful, with views of the Jubilee Bridge, the Waterfront Promenade and the Esplanade Outdoor Theater. You may also see the Louis Vuitton Maison, the architectural beauty of the Art Science Museum and an amazing light show if you head there in the evening.
Esplanade Waterfront / Theaters on the Bay
Opposite Merlion Park, the Esplanade Waterfront is worth visiting too. Grab yourself an ice-cream in a coconut shell and enjoy the skyline which includes views of Merlion Park, the Art Science Museum, the Skypark and the business centre sky scrapers. I suggest you go here in the evening. If you’re lucky you might even be able to enjoy these views while watching a concert or a small performance.
Chinese Garden Pagoda
If you prefer a more laid back, less social place away from the crowds, another beautiful and certainly unique skyline can be seen from the pagoda located in the Jurong garden islands. The skyline is very different from the other ones I mentioned, in fact the building blocks are actually resident and business buildings which are located in the areas of both Jurong West and East. From the top of the pagoda however you will also manage to see a 360-view of the beautiful park which includes a massive Chinese and a Japanese garden including The White Rainbow Bridge, a stone boat and tea house, a bonsai garden and the Pagoda Twins. Simply beautiful. Did I mention that you will need to climb the 7-storey pagoda to enjoy the view? Oh ye, there’s also a live turtle and tortoise museum.
