(Relatively) Cheap Thrills at the Marina Bay Sands® Singapore

Singapore is one heck of an expensive city to live in.  With attractions like the Marina Bay Sands® (billed as world's most expensive standalone casino property to date), there's just simply no denying that fact that luxury and high-end designer goods and services are almost always connected/expected when living here.

Although almost synonymous to wealth and luxury, a trip to this integrated resort need not leave such a huge hole in your pocket.  Here are just a few of the (relatively) cheap* things you can do at MBS:

Marina Bay Sands® , Bayfront Avenue, Singapore

*NOTE: Cheap, in this case, means a pay out of around S$20 (Php660**) or less; and, in some cases, can also be experienced for free.

1. Admire the glorious view from the Sands SkyPark (COST: S$20 or Php660**)

Towering at 67m, the Sands SkyPark is considered the world's largest cantilevered platform.  Also comes with a gorgeous infinity pool that's reserved for guests of the hotel.

You may not be able to fit in an overnight stay at the Marina Bay Sands® in your budget, but you can just as easily enjoy the fantastic view from this platform.  For a fee of PhpS$20 (Php660**), non-hotel guests can also get to enjoy this wonderful view of the city from this area.

2. Window shop all you want at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (COST: Free)

I was never much for luxury goods.  Actually, I'm not much of a shopper, period.  But that doesn't stop me from admiring expensive items (I can't possible afford) from time to time.  And what better way to do some quality window shopping than at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands® mall.

High-end designer stores are well-represented here like VERSACE, Cartier, and CHANEL, among others.  Of note is Southeast Asia's very first Louis Vuitton Island Maison.  Taking a picture of it is an interesting souvenir in itself.

Louis Vuitton Island Maison

My favorite stores to visit are bloomB (for those cute dresses and apparel for kids), Swarovski (because of those dazzling crystal accessories), and Au Chocolat (for their wonderful chocolate and candy displays and products).  Hey!  Window shopping's free, anyway.  J

3. Enjoy a not-so-rustic sampan ride (COST: S$10 or Php330**)

Perhaps one of the most familiar features found inside the Shoppes at MBS is the long canal running along the basement 2 level.  Taking a picture of it is free, of course; but forking out S$10 (Php330**) for a sampan (a type of  flat bottomed Chinese wooden boat) ride makes for a more unique and memorable experience.

Sampan rides

Be sure to make a wish once you circle the Rain Oculus at the end.

Rain Oculus

4. Do a little ice skating in a tropical country (COST: S$7 /Php231** per hour)

Living in a tropical country doesn't mean one cannot enjoy a little ice skating from time to time.  Just like the Philippines, the  Shoppes at MBS mall has also got skating enthusiasts covered with this 600-meter ice rink, christened by Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan, no less.

Ice skating

5. A little bit of home cooking at Gerry's Grill (COST: around S$10 / Php330 per person)

This one's for the thousands of OFWs working here in the Lion City.  One of main reasons why we frequent MBS is because of Gerry's Grill.  No explanation required.  Around S$10 (Php330**) usually gets you a combo meal of 2 viands (1 meat and 1 vegetable/noodle dish) with rice.  Yum!

6. Be intellectually stimulated with a trip to the ArtScience Museum (COST: around S$12 / Php395; price varies depending on the traveling exhibit)

I've been to ArtScience Museum twice (first during the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and second during the Harry Potter™ The Exhibition, both experiences of which I've detailed here); and I intend to make more trips in the future.

ArtScience Museum

 
Their traveling exhibitions are interesting,  unusual, and truly mind-boggling!  And you can bet that we'll be bringing in the Little One, too, once an exhibit she might enjoy comes visiting.  Price includes admission to the traveling special exhibitions plus the permanent display sections.

7. Catch the dazzling Wonder Full light and water show (COST: Free)

A relatively new attraction, Marina Bay Sands®' Wonder Full light and water show is the largest attraction of its kind in Southeast Asia.  For 13 minutes, one is dazzled with lights and water sprays seemingly moving and dancing in tune to the music (a sample video and photos of the show can be seen at their website here).

Such a great way to end the day, don't you think?

CBD at night

Final thoughts...

Even with such an illustrious reputation, there are still some ways you can enjoy Marina Bay Sands® without breaking the bank.  Well, just don't do all of them on the same day, okay.  J

**S$1 = Php33

***

Marina Bay Sands®
10 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018956 
T     +65 6688 8868 
W    http://www.marinabaysands.com/

Please visit the Marina Bay Sands® website (click here for the site) for more information on operating hours and ticketing prices of the attractions mentioned in the post.

Planning to visit?  Drop by my "Getting Around Singapore" post (click here) for more details on how to get around the Lion City.