Spectra Light and Water Show: Times & Locations | Singapore Purple Travel Guide

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Spectra is a breathtaking, free nightly light, water, and music spectacle presented at the Event Plaza along the promenade outside Marina Bay Sands. This 15-minute multi-sensory performance uses state-of-the-art lasers, fountain jets, and visual projection technology to tell a four-act narrative about the transformation of Singapore from its humble origins to a vibrant global metropolis.

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

This is one of the most engaging and accessible free attractions in the city. Watching plumes of water dance in perfect synchronization with a powerful orchestral soundtrack and vivid light beams is a quintessential Singaporean evening experience. Because the show takes place outdoors with the entire central business district skyline as a backdrop, it offers a perfect, cost-free way to capture the energy and modern spirit of the city.

What is Special About It?

• The Prism Heartbeat: At the center of the performance is a bespoke, 39-foot (12-meter) tall glass and stainless-steel prism. It serves as the ‘heartbeat’ of the show, pulsing with light and reflecting the lasers that beam down from the three towers of the Marina Bay Sands hotel.
• Water-Screen Technology: The production utilizes three enormous water screens that span a total area of approximately 21,527 square feet (2,000 square meters). These ‘liquid walls’ serve as high-definition canvases for the colorful projections.
• Orchestral Soundtrack: The show is set to a moving score composed by the award-winning Singaporean music producer Kenn C. The audio is delivered through a high-fidelity 7.1 surround sound system that ensures you can feel the vibrations of the music even from across the water.

Narrative and Technology

• The Four Acts: The show follows a story arc divided into four movements. Acts I and II use metaphorical imagery to represent the early multicultural society and deep-rooted history of Singapore. Acts III and IV shift to a forward-looking theme, utilizing futuristic visuals to inspire a vision of innovation and progress.
• Advanced Hydraulics: The show utilizes a wide array of fountain techniques, including arches, straight jets, and gyroscopic fountains that can shoot water up to 65 feet (20 meters) or more into the air.
• Lava and Mist: To add texture to the performance, specialized machines create ‘lava’ lighting effects and a thick mist that carries the laser beams through the air, creating a three-dimensional visual field.

Self-Guided Information

Traveler Tip

You should arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early to secure a seat on the bleachers or a spot at the waterfront railing, as the Event Plaza can become very crowded. If you have time, you can also view the show from a Singapore River Cruise boat, which will pause in the bay during the performance to give passengers a unique water-level view.

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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.

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