Need a NYC Penthouse for the BEST View? Visit the Singapore Marina Bay Sands Resort instead… You won’t regret it.
If there were a contest for the ‘most incredible view of a city you HAVE to see before you die’, the Empire State Building in Manhattan in New York City would surely be the typical winner, 20-30 years ago. Heck, it’s featured in countless movies, such as Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan’s romantic meetup in Sleepless in Seattle or, of course, the classic An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant. Nowadays, that unobstructed view (i.e. the huge-ass fence surrounding the entire rooftop) makes it almost impossible to get yourself into a photo with a breathtaking view of Manhattan. In reality, the only option left is a sky-high penthouse with huge floor-to-ceiling windows – and even still, that awful reflection off the window will cause some trouble.
The best view? Marina Bay Sands in Singapore has the world’s longest elevated (infinity edge) swimming pool, 191 metres above the ground.
If you ever visit Singapore, one of the most popular sites to see is the Marina Bay Sands Resort. In my opinion, this full panoramic view with NO obstructions (not even a glass rail!) beats the NYC view any day – AND it’s poolside! How amazing is that! Take a look at some fantastic photos from the engineering team of the building here.
This building truly redefines the term ‘massive’, as the megastructure encompasses a theatre (in the shape of a water lily) below and three 55-storey luxury hotels that act as support for another integrated resort structure spanning across the hotel legs. Marina Bay Sands offers a mini-city experience, featuring a shopping centre, casino, convention centre, hotel, and providing a fantastic view.
Designed by CANADIAN architect Moshe Safdie – whom I mentioned back in my post about Ottawa architecture – the building has received international acclaim, and the SkyPark – which was designed to look like it’s floating atop playing cards – has drawn millions from around the world to take a photo poolside with the view of Singapore as a backdrop. And not to worry about heights from that pool deck – that’s just an infinity pool, with a wrap-around deck below it.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands isn’t your average mall—it’s a luxury playground where architecture, indulgence, and leisure collide. Whether you’re browsing designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Chanel or eyeing gourmet treats from celebrity chef restaurants, there’s something to savour beyond the shopping. A ride on the indoor sampan boat or a stroll along the glistening promenade adds to the experience. It’s sleek, grand, and uniquely Singaporean. While it caters to high-end tastes, even window-shoppers will appreciate the spectacle.
The latest addition to the Shoppes at Marina Bay, which I had the opportunity to experience on my last trip in 2025, was the Marina Bay Gourmet Food Hall. Yes, the prices are higher than those of a typical hawker stall, such as Maxwell Food Centre, but the upscale surroundings, restrooms, and air conditioning are worth the extra cost.
Gardens By The Bay, Singapore
No visit to Marina Bay Sands is complete without a stroll through Gardens of the Bay directly behind the hotel complex. The gardens, which include the famous Super Tree Grove, make for a lovely daytime visit (admission is free to walk the grounds).
PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you didn’t get enough food in the food hall at the Shops of Marina Bay Sands, there are multiple food venues inside the gardens. Notably, visit Jurassic Food Nest, where not only can you get some good eats from Michelin hawker stalls, but the dinosaurs come alive at certain times of the day.
Gardens by the Bay isn’t just about flora—it’s also a vibrant open-air gallery featuring over 40 sculptures from around the world. Among them, Marc Quinn’s Planet stands out: a colossal white sculpture of a sleeping baby that appears to float effortlessly above the ground. Weighing seven tons yet seemingly weightless, this striking piece captures the innocence and fragility of new life, inspired by the artist’s son. Set against the lush greenery, it’s a surreal and contemplative sight that invites pause and reflection.
Located within Gardens by the Bay, just a short stroll from Marina Bay Sands, the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome are two climate-controlled conservatories that transport you to lush, otherworldly landscapes. In the Cloud Forest, mist swirls around the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, while walkways wind through towering vertical gardens. Next door, the Flower Dome showcases blooms from every corner of the globe, curated into ever-changing displays. It’s nature, reimagined—cool, calming, and unexpectedly dramatic. Whether escaping the tropical heat or seeking a serene retreat, these domes provide a peaceful and photogenic escape right in the heart of Singapore. Both these attractions have a fee, but luckily, discount tickets are available that include the observation deck of the Super Tree Grove.
ArtScience Museum, Singapore
Part of the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex, the ArtScience Museum is where creativity meets innovation. Instantly recognizable by its lotus-inspired design, the museum is as much a visual landmark as it is a cultural one. Inside, immersive exhibits blend art, science, technology, and design in ways that both inspire and educate. Travellers can explore everything from futuristic digital installations to thought-provoking international exhibitions. It’s a refreshing break from shopping and sightseeing—a place that invites curiosity and conversation. There are both free and paid exhibits here, and the air conditioning is icy cold so bring a sweater!
PRO TRAVEL TIP: There is an excellent free water dispenser located on the lower level, next to the clean public restrooms, offering hot, cold, and sparkling water.
If you’re ever in Asia and have a pit stop in Singapore, be sure to check out the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Amazing piece of architecture, and an even better view from the top SkyPark Observation Deck. It’s worth the trip to see this unique vantage point of the entire city of Singapore.
Know of any other amazing picture-perfect spots to visit around the world? I would love to hear about them. Join the conversation on social media.
For more articles about Asia, read:
– 5 Places in Vietnam You Must See With Your Own Eyes
– Extraordinary Ordinations in Myanmar
– Family-Friendly Animal Fun in Singapore
