TravjoyLogo
Search
Home
Arrow
Blog
Arrow
Marina Bay Sands: Infinity Pool, SkyPark & Everything to Know
banner

Marina Bay Sands: Infinity Pool, SkyPark & Everything to Know

14 min read

Apr 10, 2026
Singapore
author

Author

SHARE BLOG

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Is Marina Bay Sands Worth It?
  • The Four Ways to Experience Marina Bay Sands
  • The Infinity Pool: What You Actually Need to Know
  • SkyPark Observation Deck: Tickets, Timing and Honest Assessment
  • Beyond the Pool and Deck: What Else Is at Marina Bay Sands
  • Which Marina Bay Sands Experience Should You Choose?
  • How to Get to Marina Bay Sands
  • Practical Tips Before You Visit
  • Conclusion
Content-
  • The infinity pool is exclusive to hotel guests — non-guests cannot buy access under any circumstances, regardless of what third-party sites suggest.
  • Non-guests can reach Level 57 via the SkyPark Observation Deck ticket (SGD 32 adults) — you'll see the pool from the deck but cannot swim in it.
  • The best time to visit the Observation Deck is 30–40 minutes before sunset — you catch both the golden hour skyline and the Spectra light show without buying a second ticket.
  • CÉ LA VI, the rooftop bar at Level 57, is accessible to non-hotel guests and offers the same views as the Observation Deck with a cocktail in hand — often a better value if you'd be spending on drinks anyway.
  • Hotel rooms start above SGD 600 per night — the pool access is included, but it's not a good reason on its own to book a stay.

Marina Bay Sands gets asked about constantly, and the questions are almost always the same: Can non-guests access the infinity pool? Is the Observation Deck worth SGD 32? Is it worth staying at the hotel just for the pool? This guide answers all of those directly — along with what to expect from each experience, what the honest trade-offs are, and how to make the most of your visit whether you're staying overnight or just here for the views.

Is Marina Bay Sands Worth It?

Marina Bay Sands is genuinely iconic, and the SkyPark delivers one of the better skyline vantage points in Asia. But "worth it" depends almost entirely on which version of the experience you're paying for.

Worth it if:

  • You're visiting Singapore for the first time and want the city's definitive panorama. The 57-storey view — Marina Bay in one direction, the Supertrees in another, Indonesia faintly visible on a clear day — is singular. The Observation Deck ticket (SGD 32) is the most affordable route to it.
  • You're a couple celebrating a milestone and want the pool experience. A one-night hotel stay unlocks the infinity pool, the Observation Deck, and a room in the city's most recognisable building — all of which add up if you're marking a specific occasion.
  • You're here for an evening. The Observation Deck at sunset, followed by the free Spectra light show below and Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay across the water, makes for a memorable two-to-three hour window that costs nothing beyond the deck ticket.

Not ideal if:

  • You're booking the hotel primarily to swim in the pool. The pool is excellent — 150 metres, 57 floors up, unobstructed views — but it's busiest between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM when everyone else has the same idea. A peaceful swim with postcard views is possible, but it's not guaranteed for SGD 600+ per night.
  • You expect modern luxury at the hotel room level. Marina Bay Sands rooms are well-maintained but the property is now 15 years old, and the room interiors reflect that. Guests frequently note the contrast between the hotel's iconic exterior and the less remarkable room product.
  • You're on a tight itinerary and treating the Observation Deck as a quick tick. The deck is unsheltered and subject to heat, haze, and sudden afternoon storms — any of which can significantly shorten a visit. Budget at least 45 minutes or the timing feels rushed.

The Four Ways to Experience Marina Bay Sands

There isn't one Marina Bay Sands experience — there are four, at very different price points and with different access levels. Here's how they compare:

Experience Access Level Cost (Adult) What You Get Best For
SkyPark Observation Deck Open to all SGD 32 / ~USD 24 Level 56 deck + partial Level 57 mezzanine, panoramic views, view of infinity pool (no access) First-time visitors, day-trippers, photography
Sunset in the Sky (premium tier) Open to all, bookable in advance SGD 55–75 / ~USD 40–56 (varies by date) Priority entry, dedicated seating, champagne and chocolates by Wolfgang Puck, premium photobook Couples, celebrations, first-timers who want a curated experience
CÉ LA VI rooftop bar Open to all (minimum spend applies) SGD 25–40+ per drink / ~USD 18–30 Level 57 bar with full skyline views, cocktails, no Observation Deck access Travellers who want rooftop views plus drinks in one spend
Hotel guest stay Hotel guests only SGD 600–1,200+ / ~USD 450–900 per night Infinity pool access, Observation Deck included, room stay, full resort facilities Milestone trips, luxury travellers, those wanting the complete experience

Prices as of 2026. Verify current rates on the official Marina Bay Sands website before booking.

The Infinity Pool: What You Actually Need to Know

The Marina Bay Sands infinity pool is the most-searched feature of the entire property — and the most misunderstood. The rules are straightforward: access is exclusively for registered hotel guests. There are no day passes, no pool-only tickets, and no workarounds. If you're not holding a hotel keycard for an active room booking, you cannot enter the pool area.

What the Pool Is Like for Hotel Guests

The pool sits at Level 57 and runs 150 metres across the rooftop, connecting all three hotel towers. It's divided into three sections: an adults-only zone, a family-friendly section, and a children's pool near Tower 1. Heated outdoor jacuzzis are available at both ends. Towels, sun loungers, and access to the pool deck are all included in your room rate — no separate charge once you're checked in.

Hours are 6:00 AM to midnight daily, but the early morning window (6:00–9:00 AM) is the best kept secret here. The pool at 7:00 AM on a clear morning — mostly empty, with the city just waking below you — is a different experience from the social-media-peak-hour version at 4:00 PM.

Reality Check: The Pool Is Genuinely Busy Between 3–6 PM

  • This is peak hour, when Instagram-focused visitors dominate the edge positions and sun loungers fill up. If a serene swim matters to you, plan for early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) or after 8:00 PM when the crowd thins significantly.
  • Despite the famous photos, you cannot actually "fall off" the pool edge — there's a wall below the waterline at the vanishing edge. The infinity effect is visual, not structural.
  • Professional photography sessions require advance arrangements with the hotel. Personal photography is unrestricted.

What Happens if You're Not Staying at the Hotel

You can see the pool from the SkyPark Observation Deck — it's part of the view from Level 56, and the mezzanine section at Level 57 overlooks the pool deck. But this is a view, not an experience. The Observation Deck ticket (SGD 32) does not grant entry to the pool area or the sun loungers.

SkyPark Observation Deck: Tickets, Timing and Honest Assessment

The Observation Deck sits on Level 56 with a mezzanine access point to Level 57. It's open to all visitors, is unsheltered, and delivers a 360-degree panorama of Singapore at 200 metres above ground. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Riau Islands in Indonesia to the south and Johor Bahru in Malaysia to the north.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

  • Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last entry 8:30 PM)
  • Friday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
  • Box office: Daily 10:00 AM – 9:15 PM at Tower 3 driveway
  • Standard adult ticket: SGD 32 / ~USD 24
  • Children aged 2 and under: Free (a valid ticket required for all others, including children above 2)
  • Non-peak pricing (11:00 AM – 4:30 PM): slightly discounted on some booking platforms — worth checking before purchasing at the box office

Best Time to Visit the Observation Deck

Arrive 30–40 minutes before sunset. This window gives you full daylight views first, then the golden-hour skyline as the light shifts, and finally the city illuminated at night — all on a single ticket. After sunset, the free Spectra light show at the Event Plaza below starts at around 8:00 PM on weeknights, visible from the deck.

Reality Check: The Deck Is Unsheltered and Weather-Dependent

  • Singapore's afternoon storms arrive fast — particularly between May and September. The Observation Deck closes immediately when lightning is detected. Guests who have been on the deck for less than one hour before a closure may be eligible for a refund; check the terms when you book.
  • Tripods are not permitted on the deck — for photography purposes this matters. The glass panels facing Gardens by the Bay have a gap between panes that allows phone or handheld camera shots without glass reflection.
  • The deck faces four directions but the most photographed view — Marina Bay, Merlion, and the city skyline — faces north-west. Position yourself on that side as soon as you arrive.

The CÉ LA VI Alternative

CÉ LA VI is the rooftop bar and restaurant at Level 57, accessible to non-hotel guests directly via the Level 1 reception at Tower 3. It occupies the same height as the SkyPark and offers skyline views that are comparable to the Observation Deck — but you're seated with a cocktail rather than standing on a viewing platform. A cocktail runs SGD 25–40. If you were planning to spend on drinks regardless, this is a reasonable trade-off against the SGD 32 deck ticket. Note: CÉ LA VI access and the Observation Deck ticket are entirely separate — one does not grant entry to the other.

Beyond the Pool and Deck: What Else Is at Marina Bay Sands

The resort is a full day on its own if you include everything available to non-hotel visitors. The headline features beyond the SkyPark:

ArtScience Museum

The lotus-shaped museum at the waterfront edge of the complex runs two to three simultaneous exhibitions covering technology, digital art, and science. ArtScience Museum is open daily 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Ticket prices depend on the current exhibitions; expect SGD 20–30 per adult for a standard dual-exhibition visit. It earns a dedicated visit rather than a rushed add-on — allow at least 90 minutes.

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

The Shoppes is one of Southeast Asia's largest luxury retail destinations, with over 170 brands across fashion, jewellery, watches, and dining. Notable features include the Rain Oculus — a large acrylic bowl in the central atrium that collects rainwater and creates an indoor waterfall effect — and an indoor canal with gondola rides. Entry is free; budget unlimited time if shopping is on your agenda.

Spectra Light and Water Show

The free outdoor light, laser, and water show at the Event Plaza runs nightly. It's best viewed from the waterfront promenade or from the Observation Deck above. Check the official MBS website for current showtimes as they vary by day.

The Casino

The casino occupies three floors of the resort. Entry is free for tourists with a valid passport; Singapore residents and permanent residents pay an entry levy. Over 600 gaming tables and 2,500 slot machines. A dress code applies — no shorts, flip-flops, or sleeveless tops.

Which Marina Bay Sands Experience Should You Choose?

First-time visitors on a day trip → SkyPark Observation Deck at sunset (SGD 32). Book online in advance to skip the queue and time your arrival 30–40 minutes before sunset. Catch Spectra from the waterfront promenade afterwards for free. Combine with a stroll past Merlion Park, a 10-minute walk along the bay.

Couples celebrating an occasion → Sunset in the Sky premium experience, or a one-night hotel stay. The premium deck experience adds priority access, dedicated seating, and a keepsake photobook — suitable for an anniversary or proposal. A hotel stay is the only route to the pool; if that matters to the occasion, the SGD 600+ rate makes more sense than it does for a routine visit.

Travellers who want rooftop views with dinner or drinks → CÉ LA VI. Skip the Observation Deck ticket entirely and spend your SGD 32 on a cocktail at Level 57 with the same views and a seat. Make a reservation — walk-in is possible but not guaranteed on weekends.

Families with children → ArtScience Museum plus The Shoppes. The museum's interactive exhibitions engage children well; the Shoppes' Rain Oculus and canal are free. If the kids are old enough for heights, the Observation Deck adds a memorable 45 minutes. The pool is only relevant if you're staying at the hotel, in which case the children's pool near Tower 1 is a real draw.

Budget-conscious visitors → Skip the paid deck and visit the free waterfront promenade instead. The view of Marina Bay Sands from the Merlion Park side of the bay — the full three-tower silhouette reflected in the water — is arguably the better photograph. Spectra from the waterfront costs nothing.

If you want to build a wider Marina Bay day without the research overhead, Travjoy's Singapore guide covers the city's best experiences with curated options reviewed by local experts — so you're choosing from a vetted shortlist, not comparing every booking platform yourself.

How to Get to Marina Bay Sands

  • MRT (recommended): Bayfront station (CE1/DT16) on the Circle Line and Downtown Line. Take Exit C or D for a short walk to Hotel Tower 3, where the Observation Deck entrance is located.
  • Bus: Several routes service the Marina Bay area; the closest stop is Marina Bay Sands Theatre on Marina Boulevard.
  • Taxi / ride-share: Drop-off points at the hotel driveway on Bayfront Avenue. From Changi Airport, the journey runs approximately 20 minutes and SGD 20–30 by taxi.
  • On foot from Gardens by the Bay: A covered walkway connects Marina Bay Sands to Gardens by the Bay, making it straightforward to combine both in a single half-day along the waterfront.

Practical Tips Before You Visit

For the Observation Deck

  • Book online in advance — walk-in queues at peak hours (evenings, weekends) can run 30 minutes or more.
  • Arrive in light, breathable clothing. The deck is unsheltered and Singapore's humidity is present even in the evening.
  • The deck faces direct sun until around 5:30 PM — sunglasses and sun protection matter for an afternoon visit.

For Hotel Guests Using the Pool

  • Your hotel keycard is required for entry — pool staff check it at the gate.
  • Swimwear is required in all pool sections; sun care products and swimwear are available at the SkyPark Gift Shop if needed.
  • The early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) and late evening (after 9:00 PM) windows offer the quietest experience.

For the Casino

  • Passport required for tourists at entry.
  • Dress code enforced — no shorts, no sleeveless tops, no flip-flops.
  • Photography inside the casino is not permitted.

What to Combine Marina Bay Sands With

  • Gardens by the Bay — a 10-minute covered walk connects both, making a natural half-day pairing along the waterfront.
  • Merlion Park — 10 minutes on foot along the promenade; the view of Marina Bay Sands from here is one of the most photographed angles in Singapore.
  • Esplanade Theatres on the Bay — directly across the water, free to walk through, and worth including for the architecture and waterfront views.

Conclusion

Marina Bay Sands works well at almost every budget — from a free waterfront stroll and Spectra show, to SGD 32 for the Observation Deck at sunset, to a full hotel stay for the pool. The most common mistake visitors make is treating the infinity pool as the centrepiece of a day trip, only to find it's locked behind a hotel booking. Set those expectations correctly and the rest of the property delivers on the reputation.

For everything else worth doing in the Marina Bay area and across the city, the Travjoy Singapore Top 20 covers the best the city has to offer — with the same depth of practical detail so you can plan each day without second-guessing.

Plan Your Visit (FAQ's)

logo
Expert
local expert seal
icon

POWERED BY REAL EXPERTS

Adeline Ee

Local Expert -

social icon

Let our local expert- Adeline, a full time explorer & former marketing professional with10 years in travel and tourism- guide you through the best sights, experiences, dining, shopping, and nightlife in Singapore.

whatsApp-icon