Family Adventure: Marina Bay, Singapore

Last week, we had a rare evening free on a weekday from work and actually had the energy to head out of the house. So on that rare occasion, we took the kids out for a walk at the iconic Marina Bay in Singapore. Debra and I realised that it was the first time we took a stroll along Marina Bay and in Marina Bay Sands together since we got married! 

It was a little adventure for us because we rarely get time to visit a place just to stroll around with no agenda. We are always going somewhere to buy groceries, run errands, shop for supplies, have a family meal and visit someone. We had an awesome time and here are some tips that made our trip great:

HOW TO ENJOY YOUR TIME AT THE BAY
Dress comfortably! You'll soak your clothes with perspiration in the 80-100% humidity and hot 28-30°C evenings (82-86°F) as well as 35°C (95°F) afternoons! Wear shoes that support your feet if you are intending to explore the entire bay. Bring a stroller if you are taking the little ones! Bring along your camera or remember to charge your smart phone so that you can snap away at the picturesque bay. I took all the photos on this post using my Huawei P20 Pro mobile phone without a tripod. 

BUDGET TIPS
1. The food options inside Marina Bay Sands can get quite expensive. If you are able, have your meals at nearby malls such as Marina Square or Suntec City! 

2. Bring your own drinks/water bottles. The Marina Bay Area is a tourist/financial district.  Naturally, the price tags are not that budget friendly. 

3. Take the public transport. Take trains on the Circle Line & Downtown Line to Bayfront Station to directly access Marina Bay sands. 

4. If you are driving, visit on a weekday evening. Park at Singapore Flyer after 6pm for only $2 per entry! 

ROUTE WE TOOK
We started off at Singapore Flyer because Matthias loved looking at the giant Ferris wheel and parking was also cheap. The kids were amazing by the lights and sheer size of the wheel! 

We took a 15 minute walk from the flyer across a small section of the F1 track towards the Youth Olympic park which connects Marina Bay Sands via the Helix Bridge (World’s first curved double helix bridge). Along they way, you'll get to see beautiful cityscapes and Singapore's icons such as the Art/Science Museum, Marina Bay Sands, The Merlion, Fullerton Hotel and the Esplanade. After enjoying the enchanting views of the bay, we spent the rest of our evening in Marina Bay Sands. 

FUN THINGS TO DO

1. The kids will enjoy the Digital Light Canvas display! It is an interactive light canvas display where the screens on the floor respond to your footsteps and touch. The display is accompanied by music and a giant light sculpture above. Since its Christmas time soon, the light sculpture displays a crystal tree. 
Do note they charge S$5 (free for children under 2 years old and FutureWorld: Where art Meets Science ticket holders)

​2. Window shopping in a mall like The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is pretty intriguing for young and old. Its a luxury mall and the shops do put in a lot of effort in their shop displays. The kids were surprisingly quiet while we walked around. I guess they were feasting their eyes on all the shiny, glitzy glamour. Matthias the foodie was particularly interested in how the chefs were making dumplings at Ding Tai Fung Restaurant. 

​3. The highlight of the night was a light, music and water show at the event plaza along the promenade! It happens every evening and is free of charge! Do try to get to the event plaza 10 minutes before show time to get a seat because it can get quite crowded. Don't get too close to the front because you can get wet from the fountain spray and the music is pretty loud too. 

Timings
Sunday to Thursday – 8:00pm and 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday – 8:00pm, 9:00pm and 10:00pm

You don't have to be a tourist to enjoy Marina Bay! Best part, you get a relaxing and enchanting night without breaking the bank! 


Like this post? Check out our other adventures and travels here:
-Family Food Adventure
-Travels across New Zealand, UK and Thailand