What to do and see in Marina Bay, Marina Bay: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

The Asian Civilisations Museum is devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. Founded in 1993 and in its present building by the Singapore River since 2003, the museum traces its roots to the Raffles Museum, founded in the middle of the 19th century. ACM focuses on the many historical connections between the cultures of Asia, and between Asia and the world. Singapore’s history as a port city that brought people together from all over the world is used as a means of examining the history of Asia. Special exhibitions bring magnificent objects from around the world to our Singapore audience. Programmes like the annual River Nights encourage visitors to connect more closely with culture and the arts.

Affectionately known among locals as the "durian", Esplanade is one of the busiest arts centres in the world with about 3,000 performances presented yearly. Spot our prickly cladding in the middle of the central arts and cultural district, and take in the view from the Marina bay waterfront where our Outdoor Theatre is situated. Coming to Esplanade means that you're in for a complete lifestyle experience, from enjoying a night out at a show, to shopping and dining. And whether you're a first-timer, an ardent patron or fellow arts lover, you're most welcome here and we'll do our best to give you a great experience with the arts.

Standing at 8.6 metres high and weighing 70 tonnes, the Merlion statue has a lion’s head and a fish’s body, and is housed here in this 2,500 square metre park.

No visit to Sentosa is complete without meeting its most famous, 37-metre tall resident, the Sentosa Merlion. The legendary Merlion is a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body - as a guardian of prosperity which personifies Singapore's history as an important seaport. The lion head depicts the folklore of Prince Sang Nila Utama's discovery of lion (singa) and City (pura) while the fish tail symbolises the fishing village of 'Temasek', also known as 'sea-town' in Javanese. Set foot in the Merlion's mouth to get up close and personal with the legend. But don't stop till you get to the crown! At 60 metres above sea level, you will actually be seeing Singapore through the perspective of the Guardian of Prosperity. Come soak up the 360⁰ commanding view and bask in the aura of this endearing national symbol. You'll see why legends, myths and stories all point to this regal creature for the swift recovery of Singapore's economy from the Asian financial crisis.

Be captivated by the bright lights of the Singapore Flyer and the Central Business District skyline against the sky at sunset, reflected in the still waters of the Marina Barrage. This Reservoir in the City was created with three key benefits, to provide water supply, flood control and a lifestyle attraction.

Today, the Padang is a vantage point to admire historic buildings and the grand, colonial architecture of Singapore, and also hosts recreational sports such as football, hockey, cricket and rugby, line dancing and more.