With just a short time frame in Singapore, I had to prioritise my time. I knew though that I had to visit the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. This Observation Deck stands at 53 floors above sea level and offers unparalleled views of Singapore. I could not think of a more perfect first activity to do when exploring a new city. So when the weather was clear on the morning of my arrival I decided to go straight away. Allowing me to take in the first city in my travels across Asia.

But the morning of my visit, I was starting to worry I would not even be allowed onto the Observation Deck. I like to have my activities booked in advance, but no booking system would allow me to get tickets. I tried multiple websites and booking systems. And eventually, at 1 am the night before in my hotel bar, managed to place an order but would still have to wait for confirmation. By 11am, my order was still pending.

My hotel, the Park Marina, was just around the corner from the Marina Bay Sands. So I grabbed a taxi and decided to try my luck. I’d had this issue with everything I tried to book in Singapore, so I was hoping they would be understanding. 

I arrived at the base of the Observation Deck and was told I could visit, but would have to queue to buy a ticket at the counter. It wasn’t a fast queue, taking about half an hour, but frankly I was just grateful to get in.

There’s a photo opportunity at the bottom where a professional photographer will mock up a photo of you in front of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. It’ll come as absolutely no surprise that they will try and sell you this later on when you’re waiting for the lift to leave. Printing the photo into a cheap paper frame and all for the low, low price of just $60 SGD. 

But eventually, I was allowed through and joined my final queue for the lift. When the doors open and you step out of the corridor onto the balcony, you are greeted with a beautiful view across Singapore.

One of the first things you see is the lake. Surrounded by beautiful buildings, I could see Merlion Park and its famous statue. Merlion Park was one of the places I wanted to visit before I left. But being conveniently close to my hotel, I wasn’t too concerned. Being open 24 hours, I knew it would require little planning; it wasn’t a matter of if I’d make it more about when. As the whole day’s itinerary had been organised, I was looking to spot from the Observation Deck all the places I would soon be visiting up close. 

At the very end of the balcony, I found the bar and ordered my first Singapore Sling. Comprised of Gin, Grand Mariner, Cherry Liqueur, Herbal Liqueur, Pineapple, Lime, Bitters and Club Soda, the Singapore Sling is the official cocktail of Singapore.

The bar here does frozen versions as well as non alcoholic, and I’m glad I waited that moment to try one. What better place to have my first Singapore Sling whilst drinking up the views of the city it’s named after?

I will admit it wasn’t my favourite cocktail of all time. My sister ended up finishing it instead, whilst I grabbed a beer, but I’m glad I tried one. I think at 53 floors it’s the highest altitude I’ve ever had a beer (except the occasional beer on a flight), and it was all the sweeter for it. You cannot beat an ice-cold beer with a view.

There is also a LAVO Italian restaurant and bar here. I didn’t eat here, unfortunately. I already had plans to eat at Maxwell Hawker Market for lunch to taste authentic Singaporean dishes. But looking in from the outside, I was tempted to try and order a pizza here too. I instead drank from the much smaller bar downstairs and enjoyed my drink as I walked around.

Standing at the very tip of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel Observation Deck, I had the perfect view of Singapore’s F1 track. The city was preparing for the racing season, with barriers being put in place for the street circuit. This had made it harder to walk around the city. Often, the points I would need to cross the road would be blocked. Eventually, it just became easier to get a taxi everywhere, and Singapore taxi prices were quite reasonable. 

I would have loved to have returned to the Marina Bay Sands at night, just to see the city and track lights lit up. It’s a staggering view and you will not find a better one in Singapore. Surprisingly, despite being outside in the elements and so high up, I could barely feel a breeze. I had gotten lucky with the weather, getting clear skies when I had been predicted torrential rains.

The Marina Bay Sands Skydeck is what I would call a bookend attraction. The best times to visit are either at the start or end of your trip. At the start of a trip, it shows you the city and amps up your excitement to explore. Visiting at the end is the perfect little farewell. 

There are areas of the Observation Deck that you can’t visit as a tourist. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel prioritises its guests. So, a good two-thirds of the Skydeck is an area reserved only for hotel guests. Sadly, this included a beautiful pool and bar area, which, in the heat, I just wanted to dive in. It’s very rare I’m jealous of another hotel, but I have since made it my mission to stay the night here when I inevitably return to Singapore.

On the other side, I could see my next destination, the Gardens by the Bay. Its iconic metal trees are clearly visible from above, towering above the surrounding real trees. I’d been trying to book my tickets the night before but had encountered a similar issue, with every website crashing on the payments page. I knew, regardless, I would have to go there to book my tickets at a booth.

Eventually, I had to leave. With little over a day in Singapore and lunch fast approaching, I had to move on. I’d be heading to one of Singapore’s Hawker Markets, but not before securing tickets at the Gardens by the Bay. As I predicted, at the wait for the lift, they use this opportunity to sell you the photos taken at the entrance. But at $60 SGD, I decided I was happy enough with the ones I had taken, and made my way down and onto the Gardens.