Places to watch the sunset in Singapore

By Karleen Stevens
Published: July 18, 2024
Singapore skyline with a pink and yellow sky

Have a look through the photos on your phone and chances are you'll find plenty of sunsets. There’s just something about a glowing pink sky that makes us want to stop and capture it, despite the fact that it happens every day. When we’re traveling, finding a good place to watch it becomes part of the itinerary, almost like a destination hunt, or going to see a show. Singapore, with its iconic skyline, rooftop terraces and scattered islands, has plenty of picture-perfect places to see it, but you have to get your timing right as they only tend to last between 20 and thirty minutes. The good news is, because Singapore is so close to the equator there isn’t much variation in its timing – you can expect the sun to set between roughly 6:50 and 7:20pm whatever time of year you’re there. For the best views, head to:

  • The Marina Bay Sands
  • The Gardens by the Bay
  • The Pinnacle@Duxton
  • From the river
  • Mount Faber Park and Cable Car
  • Sentosa Island

The Marina Bay Sands

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If you’re not staying at the Marina Bay Sands, you should at least make one visit to this iconic structure and its 57th floor SkyPark. With 360-degree views it’s the perfect place to watch the sun sink below the horizon, whether you want to look east over the bay or west towards Sentosa Island. While you’re there, see if you can take a selfie with a celebrity in the background, and be sure to stop for a drink at the Ce La Vi SkyBar. Inside the hotel you’ll also find a casino, museum, shopping mall and several celebrity chef-inspired restaurants, so you won’t run out of things to do!

The Gardens by the Bay

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No visit to Singapore would be complete without a visit to the iconic Supertrees in the Gardens by the Bay – and because of their unmistakable silhouette this enchanting canopy makes the perfect backdrop to any sunset. If you can time it right, watch the light fade from the OCBC Skyway, a 128-meter-long boardwalk between two of the Supertrees, 22 meters above the ground. Even better, head up to the garden’s highest point in the Supertree Observatory, where you’ll also find refreshments and interactive information displays. Look out at familiar landmarks like Floral Fantasy and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel as you enjoy nature’s most spectacular and ever-changing display.

The Pinnacle@Duxton

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This little-known vantage point is the tallest public residence in Singapore, right on the western edge of Chinatown. It has two sky bridges and the highest one, on the 50th floor, is open to the public for a small fee. It’s a wonderful spot for looking down on the district, especially in the evening when the red-roofed pagodas begin to glow and colorful paper lanterns twinkle cheerfully. It’s open until 9pm and there’s a garden as well as a deck area, so you can lounge around with a drink if you like or have a quiet stroll before you return to the bustle below.

From the River

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The gentle lapping of water, pink and yellow hues reflecting in the water, cool breezes gently blowing in your hair – we all know that sunsets look better from the water. It’s a great way to see Singapore as well, giving you a chance to move back from the hive of glass and concrete and admire the skyline as it turns from glowing pink edifice to stunning silhouette. Bop along gently in a traditional bumboat from Marina Bay and along the Singapore river, watching as iconic landmarks like the Fullerton Hotel and the Merlion Statue are lit up in the harbor. The Singapore River Cruise lasts around 40 minutes, so time it for about 6:30pm and you should be in for some exceptional evening entertainment.

Mount Faber Park and Cable Car

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If you like a hike before your sunsets, head to the top of Mount Faber Park to the west of the city for stunning views over Keppel Harbor and the waterways to the west. Here you’ll find a number of eateries, if you need a degustation-themed reward for your exertions, and also plenty of spots to sit and have a picnic – especially if you want to stay and watch the stars come out. You could also ride the cable car from Faber Peak, which will carry you over the glittering harbor to Sentosa Island – float over city lights and lush rainforests while the sky turns to indigo around you. The cable car runs until 10pm and your pass includes a return trip, so you can enjoy a pleasant evening exploring the island before heading back.

Sentosa Island

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It’s on the western side of the city and has plenty of beaches, which makes it the perfect place to sit and savor a spectacular sunset. There are hotel rooftop terraces – such as at the Outpost and Village hotels, or you could ride the SkyHelix Sentosa, which is a rotating gondola that takes you 79 meters above sea level. If that’s not enough adrenaline for you, perhaps you’d prefer the AJ Hackett Sentosa Skybridge, where you can swing from a height of 40 meters over the beach. On the other hand, if you’ve spent the day exploring Universal Studios, enjoy the sunset view from the top of one of its unique rides, such as Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey, the Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon Dueling Coasters, or Donkey’s Dragon (from Shrek) Enchanted Airways Coaster.

Follow the sun with Go City

No matter where you go in Singapore, there’ll always be a sunset worth finding a spot for. And whatever you do, make sure you have your Go City All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass to hand, to make sure you save on all your favorite attractions around the city.

Karleen Stevens
Go City Travel Expert

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Young woman taking a selfie in front of the supertree structures at the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
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Singapore for Teens – Activities and Attractions

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What to do in Singapore in October

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Wide view - green and pink blossom of trumpet trees with row of skyscrapers on horizon
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Singapore in March

You must have seen the Merlion - half lion, half fish - the symbol of Singapore? Created in 1964 to represent the city’s growth (from a humble fishing village to a powerful beast), its constant spout of water represents good luck and prosperity. Happily it’s your good luck to visit Singapore in March! With children busy at school the world over, it’s a great time to take advantage of affordable fares and enjoy an adult break. Why is March the best time to visit Singapore? Here’s why, including... • Weather in March in Singapore • Cherry blossom in Singapore • Singapore Jazz festival • St Patrick’s Day in Singapore • Adult activities in Singapore • Outdoor activities in Singapore March weather in Singapore Early spring in Singapore is perhaps the best time for sight-seeing. As the north-east monsoon peters out and temperatures start to climb, March sees the least amount of rain, the lowest humidity and the most sunshine. Pleasant dry weather - without the extreme heat and humidity of summer? And less crowds too? It’s a win all round. Sakura Matsuri at Gardens by the Bay If you hanker for Hanami (the traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers), visit Singapore in March to experience the unforgettable sight of the Sakura Matsuri Floral Display. In Japan, cherry blossom (Sakura) has long been a national obsession, representing renewal - but also symbolic of the fleeting nature of life - and attracting both locals and tourists to witness the beauty of the delicate blooms. In recent years however, more and more visitors have also flocked to Singapore where the heavy rains of the preceding month and the springtime heat bring about the perfect conditions for blossom to bloom. The refreshing pink blooms of the local trumpet trees line the roads and everywhere else. But for the main event and the most Insta-worthy photo opportunities, don’t miss the magical displays at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Catch cherry and peach blossoms in mankai condition (that’s full bloom!) and be entranced by the canopy of picture-perfect pink and white blooms that drift down in perfect pastel clouds. For lovers of Japanese culture the exhibition goes all out, with a host of other traditional displays. Pose for photos by majestic red torrii gates and alongside cute Tokidoki cartoon characters. Be wowed by wagasa (colourful umbrella displays). And ensure your shots are framed by perfectly placed marumado (traditional circular windows). Remember that’s all in addition to the breathtaking displays in the Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy areas, so you’re guaranteed a fabulous day, fuelled by flower power! Singapore Jazz festival From bloomers to crooners, the annual International Jazz Festival (otherwise known as ‘SingJazz’) is another reason to visit Singapore in March. But whatever you dooby-dooby-do, don’t be put off by the title, as in recent years Marina Bay Sands has played host to world-renowned artists from all sorts of genres - hip-hop-jazz, acid-jazz, soul-funk, reggae - and more. Groove on down for three nights of al-fresco entertainment and, whilst you’re about it, take time to kick back at one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore. Live life like a celebrity at the luxurious CÉ LA VI Skybar, where an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass from Go City lets you savour a complimentary drink along with sweeping views from the 57th floor. St Patrick’s Day in Singapore Singapore’s inclusive multi-cultural community means there’s always a different festival or holiday to celebrate and the Irish national day on March 17th is no exception, with enthusiastic ex-pat pub-crawls and a colourful parade (led by an inexplicably non-Irish convoy of Harley-Davidsons!) If you’ve the luck of the Leprechauns you might be around to enjoy the two-day St Patrick’s Day Street Festival held on the streets of Boat Quay. Wear green (even the Singapore River is dyed green for the occasion) and get ready for folk music, Irish dancing and hearty Irish stews washed down with gallons of Guinness. If that’s given you a taste for the hard stuff - or you’re simply taking advantage of a grown-up vacation - don’t stop at the black gold (as Guinness is often known). Singapore is also famous as the home of Tiger Beer, the golden draught served in over 60 countries.You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tiger Brewery and learn the secrets of the production process which involves 200 quality checks. Then try your hand at pouring the perfect pint before tasting complimentary locally-brewed beers at a beer appreciation session in the Tiger Tavern. If you’re feeling really sophisticated, what could be classier than sipping on a ‘Singapore Sling’ in the bar where it was invented? Clink cocktails in the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel, or sashay out to the lushly-landscaped courtyard of the Raffles Arcade. The iconic gin-based cocktail (which also includes cherry brandy and Benedictine) was created by Mr Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel, back in 1915, but, over 100 years later, you can still enjoy the same standards of service, stunning surroundings and drinks to die for. Chin chin! A J Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing It may be that you need some of that Dutch courage for one of the best adult activities in Singapore - the AJ Hackett Skypark. Back in the 80s New Zealander AJ Hackett recreated a Pentecost Island ritual where islanders threw themselves off wooden platforms with a vine tied to their ankle and, after he shot to fame jumping off the Eiffel tower, bungy-jumping was born. You can bungy jump in Singapore too if you dare - or (for over-14s and not for the faint of heart) pick up a ticket for the AJ Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing. Strap in safely then swoop, screaming, towards Silosa Beach at 120km/h. To get your breath back, soak in the scenery and snap some selfies, as you stroll the 40km walkway of the Skybridge, with see-through sections to get your heart racing all over again. Outdoor activities in Singapore Its location right on the equator means it's often so hot and humid in Singapore that during the summer months any prolonged activity outdoors can feel like hard work. Which is why comparatively mild March is a great time to get out to see and do. Puzzle Hunt Singapore A Puzzle Hunt activity is one easy way to discover different parts of the city whilst having fun at the same time. Whether you take on the challenge as a couple, a group or a family, it’s an immersive combination of ‘choose your own world’ role play and outdoor escape room, where the outcome of the adventure depends on the choices you make along the way. Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown will see you scouring the streets for clues, whilst learning about Chinatown’s history, heritage and hawker culture (the 260 stalls in the Chinatown Complex Food Centre combine community with unmissable culinary treats.) There are different brainteasers to battle when you Ransack Little India, searching for a hidden treasure chest whilst discovering the area’s unique landmarks. Or, maybe you’ll choose to look and learn amongst the sprawling lawns and nine gardens of Fort Canning Park, with a military themed Ransack Fort Canning puzzle experience. Wherever you choose to explore, you’ll see the sights whilst finding out fascinating facts at your own pace and claim a prize at the end. What are you waiting for? Nature Kayaking at Pulau Ubin If you’re looking for a respite from the city’s hustle and love to get back to nature, another classic Singapore experience to pull in before the humidity hits is a kayak tour of Pulau Ubin. Just a 15 minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, this verdant island off Singapore’s northeast coast feels like half a world away and is one of only two remaining kampongs (traditional villages) in Singapore. Embrace the tranquility of the open water as you paddle past a natural paradise of lush greenery and thriving mangroves, looking out for kingfishers, herons, otters and more flora and fauna. Explore the coast and the island’s mangroves over a four-hour adventure towards Ketam Island. On land, for the adventurous, hiking and mountain bike trails criss cross the island. Maybe you’ll visit the weathered temples and shrines, or simply relax in the peaceful coastal surroundings. Remember there are no ATMs so take along enough money to rent a bike, enjoy a traditional meal, or quench your thirst with a coconut. Bliss. We hope you’ve enjoyed our whistle-stop tour of just some of the sights and sounds that await you in Singapore in March - and all year round. To make sightseeing easier, why not download the Go City app to keep track of all your adventures? Happy travels!
Jo Cooke

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