Singapore has become world famous for its light shows, and we’re here to tell you about one of the very best! Every night in front of Marina Bay Sands hotel the spectacular Spectra Light and Water show takes place. For 15 magical minutes, you can watch as the lights and fountain jets shoot into the sky, creating a one of a kind performance. Here’s what you need to know about the MBS Light Show, the best places to watch it, times, and much more!
What is the MBS Light Show?
The MBS Light Show goes down every night in front of the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel. It combines colorful lights, art technology, sound effects, and fountains for an exciting show under the night sky.
Over the years, it has become a fun activity for the whole family and one of the best things to do in Singapore. With it’s location on the Marina Bay harbor, you will find it easy to get to and include in your itinerary visiting the city. Singapore is extremely walkable, or you can take the MRT train system to one of the surrounding stops.
→ 6 Awesome Reasons to Use the Singapore MRT On Your First Visit
What Time is the Marina Bay Sands Light Show?
The first thing you should know about the MBS Light Show is that it takes place seven days a week. There are also multiple shows per night so you don’t miss out… Even on a short 2 day Singapore itinerary like this one!
The water extravaganza brings vibrant colors and an exciting water display every night in front of the Marina Bay Sands Shopping Mall and hotel. One of the best parts about this show is it’s completely free.
The Marina Bay Sands Light Show times are listed below. This amazing show is just 15 minutes long, but it’s sure to captivate you! There may also be special dates and performances to look out for which you can check on the official Spectra Light Show website.
Sunday to Thursday: 8pm & 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 8pm, 9pm & 10pm
3 Epic Places to Watch the Marina Bay Sands Light Show
With how large it is, there are multiple places to watch in the MBS Light and Water show from. Whether you’re on the Marina Bay Sands side or across the water at Merlion Park, you’ll have so many great vantage points to enjoy it!
In Front of Marina Bay Sands: Directly in front of the shoppes and hotel is where you’ll have the closest view of the MBS Light Show in Singapore. This is the best spot if you want to be right in all the action to experience the shooting water fountains and mist effects.
Across the Harbor: While you can get up close and personal in front of Marina Bay Sands, we always love watching it from across the bay, too. You can grab a picture of the Merlion Statue or take it in from anywhere on the boardwalk. This will give you an even wider view of the special effects and LED lights which take over the area.
From the Marina Bay Sands Pool: Our favorite place to watch the MBS Light and Water Show is actually from the top of the Marina Bay hotel! We should mention that you do need to be staying at this luxury hotel to swim in the pool. However, know that you can also watch the 15-minute show from the rooftop bar. If you’re looking to splurge on your accommodation, you will have a unique experience swimming from 57 floors up.
→ 10 Fun Marina Bay Sands Tips For Your Luxury Stay in Singapore
MBS Light Show vs Gardens by the Bay
The Marina Bay Sands Light Show is absolutely worth seeing on your visit. Still, there is another light show in Singapore you can’t miss!
At Gardens by the Bay, you can take in the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show inside the beautiful Supertree Grove. This is an incredible display with colourful visual arts and music with an orchestral soundtrack.
You can even walk the OCBC Skyway above the Supertrees to see it from above, or simply lay on your back in the grass looking up. The light show at the Gardens by the Bay is enclosed within the towering gardens of Supertrees. Unlike the MBS Light Show Singapore which can be viewed from many places around the whole bay area.
The Gardens by the Bay Light Show happens every night at 7:45pm and 8:45pm. This means if you’re quick on your feet, you could technically see both in one night. Whatever the case, be sure to check out one or both of these popular light shows at night in Singapore!
→ Gardens by the Bay Light Show: Is it Worth Seeing in Singapore?
Things to Do Before the Marina Bay Sands Light Show
Since the MBS Light and Water show isn’t until night time, you’ll have plenty to do during the day! This is a city filled with so much history, delicious food, museums, and attractions.
Honestly, you can spend a full day taking in the temples and futuristic architecture. Below we’ve listed some of our favorite things to do around the Marina Bay Sands Light Show. Also, be sure to check out our full article 23 Fun Things to do in Singapore on Your First Visit.
Best Things to do in Singapore
See Merlion Park: Merlion Park is home to the statue of the mystical sea creature and icon of Singapore. As we covered above, it’s also one of the best places to see the Marina Bay Sands light show!
Eat at the Hawker Centres: Our favorite spots to eat in Singapore are at the local hawker centres. These large food courts have cuisine from all around Asia including Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, and Western delights. One of the closest ones to the MBS Light Show is in the financial center at Lau Pa Sat.
Ride the Singapore Flyer: This large ferris wheel towers over the city and is another fun way to take in the views. You can even ride it at night to see the outdoor show from as you ride.
Experience Gardens by the Bay: We talked about the light show under the Supertrees already. Yet, there is so much more to see at Gardens by the Bay! During the day you can see the Cloud Forest and walk through the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome.
Explore Different Neighborhoods: Singapore is a fusion of cultures, and with that comes several different neighborhoods to discover. One of our absolute favorites is Chinatown which is filled with amazing food and historic temples. Head to Little India to eat at the Tekka Centre and go to Kampong Glam to stroll down the famous Haji Lane.
Try a Singapore Sling: If you’re looking to try the world-famous Singapore Sling then you’re in luck! The original Singapore Sling was made at the Raffles Hotel which you can visit today. It does cost a pretty penny to have the drink at the Long Bar, but it’s worth it for the experience.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Luxury – Marina Bay Sands – We stayed at the Marina Bay Sands for Jake’s 30th birthday and it blew away our expectations. You can even watch the MBS Light Show in Singapore from the rooftop infinity pool.
Iconic – Raffles Hotel – As one of the most historic hotels Southeast Asia, staying at Raffles will be an experience like no other. Enjoy a Singapore Sling and take in the amazing architecture of this landmark built in 1887.
Fun Vacation – Parkroyal on Pickering– It doesn’t get much more green and lush than Parkroyal on Pickering! This fun vacation spot is literally one of the greenest hotels in the world. Plant life covers the entire property to make for a unique stay in Singapore.
Boutique – KēSa House – Located in Chinatown, this fantastic hotel was built in 1920’s. Enjoy the incredible setting in the heart of the city in a traditional building on Keong Saik Road.
Hostel – Hipstercity hostel – Fun hostel in downtown Singapore with both private and dorm rooms. Great place to meet other travelers to explore the city with.
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own experience at the MBS Light Show Singapore? Leave us a comment below.
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
PIN FOR LATER ↓
More Singapore Tips
Activities: Butterfly Garden – Chinatown – Singapore Jewel
Hawker Centers: Maxwell – Old Airport Road – Liao Fan Hawker Chan
Travel Tips: Singapore Airlines Review – 15 Wild Laws – Changi Airport
Singapore Travel Planning
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Athens to Singapore for $230 USD, and Singapore to Thailand for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Singapore. You can book everything from a Singapore Highlights Bike Tour to a Gardens by the Bay E-Ticket, and even a private food tour with 10 tastings!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists! Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
I love Singapore, and I cannot wait to go back. Your article could not have come at a better time as we are planning a trip to Asia in the Spring. Now I will have so many places to visit since it will not be a business trip.
Thank you for all the suggestions,
Author
Of course! Singapore is one of our favorite cities in Asia. Hope you enjoy 😀