Singapore Flyer Visitor Guide: Views & Tickets | Singapore Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews, website)

Standing at an imposing 541 feet (165 meters), the Singapore Flyer is one of the largest giant observation wheels in the world. Designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, it is a masterpiece of urban engineering that offers a 360-degree moving gallery of the rapid transformation of Singapore from a colonial port to a global ‘City in Nature’.
If you are not inclined to take a ride, you can see it from outside or the roof of your next destination: Marina Bay Sands.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Why You Should Visit

While many tourists visit the Marina Bay Sands Skypark, the Singapore Flyer offers a distinct advantage: constant, graceful movement. As the wheel slowly rotates, your perspective of the city shifts, revealing the intricate layout of the Formula 1 Street Circuit directly below and the sprawling Gardens by the Bay to the south. On a clear day, the visibility extends up to 28 miles (45 kilometers), allowing you to spot the Indonesian Riau Islands and the southern tip of Malaysia (Johor).

What is Special About It?

• The Time Capsule: This attraction is included with most tickets. It is a multi-sensory, immersive experience that you walk through before boarding your flight. It uses projection mapping to tell the 700-year history of the island.
• Flyer360+: Many capsules now feature interactive touchscreens that provide ‘augmented reality’ information about the landmarks you are currently viewing.
• Premium Experiences: Beyond the standard flight, you can book a Premium Singapore Sling Flight or the 165 Sky Dining, which is the highest revolving dining experience in the city. This dining experience typically requires two full rotations of the wheel.

History and Architecture

• Engineering and Capacity: The wheel stands approximately 42 stories high. It features 28 air-conditioned capsules, each roughly the size of a city bus, capable of holding up to 28 passengers.
• The Feng Shui Direction: The wheel originally rotated counter-clockwise (inland-facing) when it opened in 2008. Following advice from Feng Shui masters, the direction was reversed to rotate clockwise (seaward-facing). This change was intended to ‘pull in’ fortune and positive energy from the sea and channel it into the heart of the city.
• The Number 28: In Chinese culture, the number 28 is considered highly auspicious as it symbolizes ‘double prosperity’, which explains why there are exactly 28 capsules designed to hold 28 people each.

Landmark Checklist: What to Spot

• The Padang: The historic open field where the independence of Singapore was declared.
• The Fullerton Hotel: A former General Post Office and iconic colonial landmark.
• The Helix Bridge: A pedestrian bridge inspired by the curved structure of DNA.
• Maritime Traffic: Look toward the horizon to see the hundreds of cargo ships waiting in the Singapore Straits, one of the busiest shipping lanes on the planet.

Self-Guided Information

Traveler Tip

If the weather is poor, such as during heavy rain or lightning, flight operations may be temporarily suspended for safety. If this happens, your ticket is usually valid for a return visit within 30 days. You should check with the customer service counter before you leave the premises.

Back to your Self-Guided Singapore Walking Tour

Where do you want to go now?

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

Other popular Purple Travel Guides you may be interested in:

Like this Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel Guide? Pin these for later: