On our way to Maldives we had a long connection in Singapore. Since we had already taken advantage of the free guided tour of Singapore arranged by Changi airport in 2007, we decided to venture out on our own. This time we wanted to see the Skypark at the somewhat recently opened Marina Bay Sands Hotel, billed as the most expensive standalone casino property of the world.

We found out that one of the best ways to get to the MBS is to take the East – West line (in green) from Changi Airport and then switch to Circle line (in orange) all the way to Bayfront,

Here is the way to get to MBS (Bayfront station) from Changi.

  • Clear immigration and customs and get to the MRT station located at the Changi Airport
  • Buy a ticket from Changi Airport to Bayfront (from the self-service machines)
  • Get on a train on the East West line (in green) and get off at Tanah Merah (the train from Changi ends here)
  • Take another train on the East West line (in green) from Tanah Merah and get off at Paya Lebar
  • Switch to Circle line (in orange) and get off at Promenade station (if the train is going to Dhobi Ghaut)
  • Take a Circle line train from Promenade to Bayfront.
  • Remember, train runs alternately to Dhobi Ghaut and Bayfront on the Circle line. If the train is going to Dhobi Ghaut you need to get off at Promenade station to get to Bayfront on a next train.
  • Follow the steps in reverse to get back to Changi Airport from Bayfront station.
Singapore MRT Map
Train Station
MRT Rail
Waiting for train in Paya Lebar station

After getting off at Bayfront Station, we followed the signs to Marina Bay Sands (and not Gardens by the Bay which is also reached from this station).

On the way to MBS from Bayfront Station
Marina Bay Sands

We didn’t spend much time in the hotel lobby and made our way to the SkyPark Deck.

On the way to Skypark, Observation Deck, Marina Bay Sands

Tickets for the MBS SkyPark deck costs S$20 each. Remember to use your credit card with no foreign transaction fees :). My Chase Ink Bold statement showed a charge of approximately $35 USD total for both of us.

Replica of the Marina Bay Sands

The elevator ride up the 57 floors was quick and quiet. At the top, the view was amazing and we were snapping away pictures.

Singapore Flyer

The SkyPark deck provides stunning views of the Gardens by the Bay.

Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the bay

On the other side of the SkyPark, nearest you can see the ArtScience Museum and the Esplanade, Theaters by the bay in the distance (the building that looks like the ‘Durian’ fruit)

Art Science Museum (white lotus like structure). Esplanade in the distance.
The Merlion
ArtScience Museum
Singapore Skyline
It was very windy up there !!
Mrs. loved the views from the deck

Within 1 hour of us arriving at the rooftop SkyPark deck, we could see clouds moving in fast. Within half an hour, it got all dark and then it started drizzling. Then it was pouring heavy !!

It cleared after 20 minutes of rain. Welcome to the Tropics !!

Within minutes clouds everywhere and it started raining.
Heavy rains!!

The infinity swimming pool at the top of the SkyPark is world famous. Here is an article. The pool was closed to visitors by the time we arrived at the hotel. I wouldn’t mind staying at this hotel some day to enjoy the views the guests are enjoying over there right now. One can only dream right 🙂

Infinity pool on top of the deck. Closed for viewing when we were there

It was time to come down and walk around the hotel a bit. The picture from the sidewalk doesn’t depict the beauty of the hotel. You can look at this to see how nice hotel looks from far.

view of the Marina Bay Sands from the ground
Sidewalk

There is also a some shops at the MBS and we took a stroll around.

A mall? We are in Singapore afterall.

It was soon time to go back to the airport for our onward journey to the Maldives.


And here in a flashback to 2007, here is Karen on her first overseas tour with a stop in Singapore.

During our long connection in Singapore we took advantage of the complimentary guided tour of Singapore by the Changi Airport authority. You sign up at the airport terminal for the tour and seating is limited so be sure to sign up for the tour as soon as your plane arrives. You DO NOT need any transit or tourist visa for this tour.

Walking towards the waterfront

We were taken on a  waterfront tour on this boat
Singapore Flyer
Singapore skyline on the waterfront
Iconic Singapore Merlion
Lots of restaurants on the waterfront
On our way back to the airport the Esplanade, Theaters on the bay