Singapore Flyer

It’s hard to miss the giant Ferris wheel-like contraption in Marina Bay. Standing 165m tall – or 42 storeys high, in HDB-speak – and with capsules the size of small buses, the $240 million Flyer is an observation wheel destined to be one of our biggest tourist attractions. Passengers can stroll (yes, stroll) around 28 air-conditioned and UV-protected capsules, each holding up to 28 people, and on a clear day can enjoy a 360-degree view of the cityscape – a panorama that even extends into neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia. 
Here’s what you can look forward to on our city’s answer to the London Eye. 

The view from above 
Right at the top of Singapore Flyer, you will get a bird’s-eye view of the construction of the Marina Bay Sands – one of Singapore’s two upcoming Integrated Resorts – as well as the Marina Barrage, a dam being built across the Marina Channel to create yet another reservoir for our water-scarce island. Plus, you can see the New Asia Bar located at the top of Swissôtel the Stamford (at 226m the tallest hotel in Singapore and South-East Asia).

Get back on track 
Book a ride on 28 September between 8 and 10 pm, and look waaaay down: the Singapore Flyer is located right next to the Singapore Formula 1 pit building, and the F1 street circuit runs around the giant observation wheel complex. Although you cannot see the entire F1 route (parts of it are blocked by tall buildings), you can see the start and finish line of the F1 track.

Drink while they drive 
For $69, enjoy the Singapore Flyer Signature Cocktail Flight, where you can ride while sipping on the house speciality – yet to be named – made up of whisky, peach lychee syrup, rose apple and grenadine. As an extra perk, you get to keep the cocktail glass. 

A private affair 
Measuring 7m x 4m x 4m, each capsule is big enough to hold a birthday party, wedding ceremony or class reunion, albeit for a maximum of 28 people and 30 minutes (one wheel rotation). It will cost you, though – the exclusive privilege of booking a private capsule costs from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on whether or not you’re travelling in the peak period, inclusive of food (outside catering is not allowed). Tack on at least $750 more for an extra rotation – who’s going to come to a party that only lasts 30 minutes? 

No need to ‘do the Merlion’ 
If you are prone to motion sickness, fear not. In emergency cases, the wheel will be rotated as quickly as possible to allow sick passengers to disembark and seek aid immediately. ‘Our capsules are each fitted with two surveillance cameras and an intercom. Therefore, in such cases of emergency, the control room can take necessary actions,’ says a spokesperson for Adval, the exclusive sales, marketing and ticketing distribution agent for the Singapore Flyer. 

Access all areas 
There is more to the Singapore Flyer than just a ride. The giant wheel sits atop a three-storey terminal building that incorporates F&B and retail outlets. So you can shop around, dine at the waterfront promenade, enjoy performances at the Greek Theatre, or relax amid nature in the rooftop garden or the Asian Rainforest area, filled with flora and water features. Unlike the ride, these areas are free to visit (unless booked for events), so take time to browse it all. 

The Singapore Flyer started operations daily from 1 Mar 2008.