Outdoor Activities around Marina Bay

Protect yourself from the heat by packing these essential items

1. Sun screen/sunglasses: As cliché as it might sound, it is important that you pack a strong sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense heat. For additional protection, you can always carry a wide-brimmed travel hat or an umbrella.
   
   
2. Shoes: Don’t forget to wear a pair of cushioned walking or running shoes, depending on the route and terrain you decide to take. If you're one for difficult hikes, consider investing in a pair of sturdy and reliable boots.
   
   
3. Insect repellent: Remember to pack a strong repellent for all kinds of bugs and insects you'll encounter in forested areas.
   
   
4. Water bottle: A 1-1.5 litre water bottle should be adequate to keep yourself hydrated through the entire trip. We recommend using a refillable bottle to keep the environment safe from litter while you stay replenished.
   
   
5. Your daily essentials: Do ensure to bring along your phone and wallet to capture the scenery and in case of any unexpected purchases.

Calling all joggers and runners

Let’s begin with one of the more ‘urban’ walkways – the 3.5km waterfront promenade surrounding Marina Bay Sands. This route covers some of the most-loved, Instagram-friendly places in Singapore including the world’s only floating Apple store, the Helix Bridge, the iconic Merlion fountain, the Singapore Flyer, and the Promontory @ Marina Bay.

If you are a serious walker or a jogger, we suggest adding the ‘Gardens by the Bay’ circuit (includes the Supertree Grove, the Meadow and more) to your route for a complete trip of 8-10km. If you decide to take this extended route, we highly recommend starting your walk from the stunning Marina Bay Sands which allows you to move seamlessly between the two circuits without having to walk the same route twice.

Merlion Fountain

This world-famous attraction is an enduring symbol of Singapore that melds the city’s history as a fishing village (translating the word sea to mer) and meaning of its original name (Singapura, meaning Lion City). For the best photo angles, a viewing platform over the water allows visitors to see and pose for funny, interesting pictures.

Beat the Singapore heat with some tasty Merlion popsicles from a nearby ice cream parlour, or check out these other notable outdoor sculptures in the city.

The Promontory @ Marina Bay

Continue towards The Promontory @ Marina Bay, a park built on reclaimed land which is occasionally used for events. Offering spectacular views of the water promenade, the area is great for relaxing and is an absolute must-visit for photographers, amateurs and experts alike.

Enroute to The Promontory @ Marina Bay, don’t forget to check out Clifford Pier, an erstwhile landing point for immigrants and other sea passengers, that now houses an upscale restaurant.

Marina Bay Financial Centre & The Red Dot Design Museum

Moving on, you will pass the Marina Bay Financial Centre on your right, on the way to Marina Bay Sands. As a commercial-cum-residential complex made up of five skyscrapers, the building has beautiful glass facades that can be used as a backdrop for your latest Instagram post.

The stunning Red Dot Design Museum at the end of the road is your cue to turn left towards The Shoppes. Art enthusiasts should plan for additional time during their walk as the museum is a fascinating place to spend an hour or two with its beautiful design exhibits.

Apple Store

Shortly after, you should arrive at the Apple store at Marina Bay Sands, the only one in the world located on water. Designed by the architecture studio Foster + Partners, this store captivates guests with its curated products & accessories, hands-on demos, tech support and more. This well-rounded store also offers an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view of the city and its spectacular skyline.

Though located outdoors, the Apple store is a marvellous addition to The Shoppes and shoppers can earn 3% instant Reward Dollars when making purchases at this Apple store. 

The Sands Rewards programme is free to join and offers a whole host of rewards and perks when you shop or dine at Marina Bay Sands. Earn up to 10% instant Reward Dollars and redeem them at over 250 participating outlets. Members also enjoy all-day parking benefits and exclusive birthday offers in Marina Bay Sands. 

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

Complete your walk around the Marina Bay area with a visit to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

Housing over 250 premium brands across a wide range of categories, The Shoppes is the perfect place to let loose your inner shopaholic. From Louis Vuitton to Adidas, Sephora and Swarovski, The Shoppes has everything that you would need. This one-of-a-kind mall is also a complete family entertainment destination that includes high-end cafes, state-of-the-art theatres, award-winning restaurants, nightlife venues, celebrity chef bars, and an indoor canal with gondola rides.

The iconic Marina Bay Sands needs no introduction. One of the most recognisable landmarks of Singapore, it should definitely be on your must-visit list, especially the SkyPark Observation Deck. Located 56 storeys up, it boasts scenic views of the panoramic vistas of Marina Bay, the world-class cityscape, and a bird’s-eye view of the Supertree Grove and Gardens by the Bay. 

ArtScience Museum

Shaped like a lotus and instantly recognisable, the ArtScience Museum houses 21 gallery spaces, and hosts large-scale exhibitions by famous artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, and Vincent Van Gogh. The museum also hosts exhibitions that explore varied aspects of science such as marine biology, particle physics, and space exploration.

Drop by the museum to round up your trip around Marina Bay or save this location for a visit with your family. The permanent exhibition features Future World: Where Art Meets Science - a digital interactive installation that blends the worlds of art, science, magic and metaphor.

Book your tickets and find out about the latest happenings at ArtScience Museum. 

Helix Bridge and The Float@ Marina Bay

One of many Instagrammable locations around Marina Bay, the architecture of the Helix Bridge is inspired by the design of the human DNA. This unique pedestrian bridge connects Marina Centre to Marina South and several viewing platforms offer breathtaking views of the city and the skyline.

Take a left from the end of the Helix Bridge and you’ll end up at the world's largest outdoor floating stage and football stadium, The Float @ Marina Bay. Crafted entirely out of steel, this engineering marvel with a seating capacity of 27,000 people was originally built to serve as a temporary stadium for events. Since its construction, it has hosted several National Day Parades, sports events, music concerts, and exhibitions.

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay

The final stop on our route is the splendid Esplanade Theatres. Though its prickly exterior resembles a popular foul-smelling fruit in Singapore, the performance art centre includes a concert hall with state-of-the-art acoustics, a 2000-seater theatre, and a fan-shaped recital studio on the inside. It houses a library, outdoor performing centres, and a food and retail options as well.

Once you've completed your journey around the Marina Bay waterfront promenande, treat yourself to a meal at one of the many dining options at Marina Bay Sands, or continue exploring with our guide to the best hawker centres in Singapore.

Hikers Ahoy!

Surrounded by nature with the city skyline in the distance, the hiking route offers great views during your workout. Make sure to bring along your phone to snap photos for Instagram while burning off calories. 

Fort Canning Park

The hiking trail closest to Marina Bay Sands would be the one in Fort Canning Park. An important historical site, the 2km, moderate-level trail runs through gardens, shrines, mural walls, and heritage trees. Start your hike at the Heritage Tree and make your way through Keramat (an old tomb), the Spice Garden, archaeological exhibition area, Parit Singapure (a tiny bridge), and The Forbidden Spring, before finishing the trail at the Heritage Tree, otherwise known as Terap.

Mount Faber Park

If you're up for a shorter trail, consider hiking in Mount Faber Park, one of Singapore’s oldest parks. Though one of the shorter routes on this list, it offers stunning views of the city and the southern islands. Hikers can look forward to revisiting natural heritage at Faber Point, spotting different species of birds, and enjoying the cool shade from the dense rainforest during this trail.

Mount Faber Park is part of The Southern Ridges, a 10km route which comprises Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve.

HortPark

HortPark is a unique, one-of-a-kind outdoor area that offers gardening activities and food options with a view.

This 23-hectare park with a 3km hiking trail is home to a large collection of themed gardens suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities. Several gardens showcase a variety of concepts and gardening trends, including the Plant Introduction Garden, Native & Cultural Gardens, Edible Gardens, Community Gardens, Golden Garden, and Prototype Glasshouses.

This short trail is manageable for the younger children and offers curated gardening activities. Drop by the Pitter Patter Potter Garden, where children can learn about plants and various seed dispersal methods through active and experiential learning.

Labrador Nature Reserve

Tackle the great outdoors with the 4.5km route around Labrador Nature Reserve. With its rich biodiversity and thriving with wildlife, this park is one of four protected natural reserves in Singapore, and is Singapore’s only protected coastal rocky shore. With the variety of habitats and breathtaking scenery, the hiking trail makes for a rewarding workout.