If you’re looking into a trip to Singapore, you’ve definitely heard of the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This hotel has three towers with a boat on top and is home to the world’s largest infinity pool. Unfortunately, you can’t swim in the pool without booking a room, which costs about $500 a night. Luckily, you can still enjoy the views in Singapore by visiting the SkyPark Observation Deck on top of the hotel. So, is the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck really worth it?
Content:
Is the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck Worth It?
I visited the top of the Marina Bay Sands twice during my time in Singapore, once through the Observation Deck and once at the restaurant LAVO. I would say yes, it is worth a visit to the top! However, visit the restaurant LAVO instead of the SkyPark Observation Deck! Keep reading to compare costs, wait times, and crowds.
Costs
It’s important to take into the cost of the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck before deciding if it’s worth it. Prices vary, but an adult ticket costs about 32 SGD. This can be a bit pricey for budget travelers. However, you can visit the private bar area at LAVO at the other end of the hotel for free! You need to purchase a drink or dessert, but the drinks are cheaper than the admission to the SkyPark deck itself, and you get the same views!
I went for a delicious Peach Bellini, which cost 27 SGD after tax. They also have mocktails that are 15 SGD before tax! So you can get to the top for half the price and get a drink. Check out LAVO’s drink menu here.
Wait Times
I visited the Observation Deck at 6:00 PM on a Thursday and LAVO at around 2:00 PM on a Friday.
It took some time to get up to the Observation Deck. I arrived before my time slot and had to wait in line before entering the elevator area and again to get into the elevators.
On the other hand, when I went to LAVO, I walked right in with no lines. I didn’t make a reservation at LAVO. I visited the hostess stand in the Marina Bay Sands lobby and was sent right up to the top. They told me there were only standing areas, but there were plenty of open seating options outside where I could admire the view! To guarentee your spot, you can also make a reservation online for a table or aim to not visit right during lunch or dinner time.
Although the wait wasn’t too bad to get to the Observation Deck, it doesn’t compare to how quick LAVO was.
Crowds
The Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck does manage crowds very well. Since you have to book a time slot, they can control the number of people who go up and don’t let the top get too full. Although there aren’t many crowds, the seating is limited, and many people sit on the floor to enjoy the views.
When I visited LAVO, the restaurant was practically empty, leaving me my pick of couches and tables. Again, I recommend avoiding lunch and dinner times to get the best chance at relaxing in the seating areas.
Overall, I would say visiting the top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel is 100% worth it! The views are incredible, and you can even admire the famous Gardens By the Bay beneath the hotel. However, as a budget traveler, visiting LAVO instead of the Observation Deck is the clear winner.
If you plan on visiting the SkyPark Observation Deck, it’s best to buy tickets online beforehand to ensure you have a reserved time slot. Click here to view prices and purchase tickets.
Are you adding the top of the Marina Bay Sands to your bucket list? I’d love to hear in the comments!
