Ever heard of the golden hour? It’s the period right after sunrise or just before sunset when the sun hits the perfect angle to bathe the skies in gold—the perfect time for folks to capture beautiful, insta-worthy sceneries in Singapore.
If you’re tracking down places to take pictures in Singapore or just want to enjoy gorgeous vistas, look no further. Here are some hotspots worth making the trip to.
Sunset
1. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
A panoramic view of the sunset from the iconic Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck in Singapore.
For those wanting to watch the sun dip among Singapore’s iconic cityscape, there’s no other place to recommend than the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands - you will feel like you are swimming in the clouds at the 150-metre long pool (also the world’s largest elevated body of water outdoors!). .
Also check out the SkyPark Observation Deck at the top of Marina Bay Sands, which comes with an entry fee upwards of S$20. Although there are other spots to watch sunsets and sunrises for free in Singapore, we believe that the price is worth the unparalleled panoramic view from 57 storeys up in the heart of Marina Bay.
The deck offers a bird’s-eye view of the city—from the skyscrapers of the Central Business District to the Supertree structures of Gardens by the Bay, the iconic ‘durian’ domes of the Esplanade, and the shophouses along Singapore River, you’ll get a full view of most of the panoramic wonders of Singapore from here. And if you’re fortunate enough to have a staycation in the hotel, be sure to pack your compact digital cameras with you because the sunset view of Singapore from the iInfinity pPool is just as gorgeous, with opportunities galore to humblebrag on Instagram.
Address:
10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
How to get there:
Walk from MRT Bayfront Station to the entrance of Sands SkyPark in Hotel Tower 3, take the elevator to Level 57.
Operating hours:
Open daily from 11:00am to 9:00pm
Is entry to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark free for hotel guests?
Access to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark is not free for hotel guests. However, hotel guests do enjoy a discounted rate for the entrance fee. Visitors should take note that there’s a timed entry to the Observation Deck after 5pm and they should check ahead of their visit as the Observation Deck may be closed for private events.
Is the Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool only for hotel guests?
Only registered hotel guests can enter and swim in the Infinity Pool and guests must present their hotel key cards upon entry.
How do you get to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark?
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark is located on the 56th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore. There are several ways to get to the SkyPark: by taxi or private car, by MRT (the nearest station is Bayfront Station) and by bus.
Once you reach Marina Bay Sands, head to the hotel’s Tower 3 and take the elevator to the 56th floor to access the SkyPark. Note that entrance fees apply and tickets can be purchased at the SkyPark Box Office or online in advance.
2. Upper Peirce Reservoir
Popular among runners and shutterbugs alike, Upper Peirce Reservoir Park might be a bit arduous to get to, considering that you’d have to walk a long stretch of road that used to host actual races back in the ‘60s and ‘70s as part of the Singapore Grand Prix.
Make it through a long, winding path, and you’ll enter a tranquil park with an unfettered view of Singapore’s largest reservoir. A dam separates Peirce Reservoir into two segments - ; Upper Peirce Reservoir and Lower Peirce Reservoir.
But this dam serves another purpose— it is a solid spot for folks to sit by the waters and catch a beautiful Singapore sunset. With the reservoir stretching as far as the eyes can see, it makes a perfect setting for the golden hour when the waters catch the glow of the sun as it dips down behind the distant greenery.
Address:
Along Old Upper Thomson Road
How to get there:
Take bus services 163, 167, 169, 640, 652, 855, 980 and alight at the Casuarina Curry stop. Make your way to Casuarina Road Car Park and enter via Old Upper Thomson Road.
How long is the Upper Peirce Reservoir walk?
The Upper Peirce Reservoir is a scenic spot located in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve of Singapore. The reservoir is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for nature walks and hikes. The walking trail from Old Upper Thomson Road to the park entrance takes about 40 mins. There is a Lower Peirce walking trail which is an easy 900m wooden boardwalk through the forest, and that would take you about 45mins to 1h to complete.. The trails are relatively easy and suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with several rest stops and benches along the way.
What is the history of Upper Peirce Reservoir?
Upper Pierce Reservoir is one of Singapore's oldest reservoirs, with a history dating back to 1910. The reservoir was originally built to provide drinking water to the growing population of Singapore. Its namesake, Sir John Anderson Pierce, was the Governor of the Straits Settlements at the time and played a crucial role in its construction. Throughout the years, the reservoir underwent several renovations and expansions to meet the increasing demand for water.
Today, the Upper Peirce Reservoir is not only a significant source of drinking water, but also a beloved destination for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. Keep an eye out for the diverse range of flora and fauna, including various bird and monkey species that call this reservoir home.
Sunrise
3. Punggol Waterway Park
Segmented into themes, the Punggol Waterway Park offers not only a green respite for visitors and residents, but the coolest view of the sunrise.
If quiet spots are your jam, one underrated spot to catch the sunrise can be found in the north-eastern regions of Punggol. Like stretching your legs? You’ll probably love Punggol Waterway Park’s 8.4km-long promenade, peppered with dozens of bridges and viewing decks along the river - so, be sure to pack your towels and water bottles as you venture the vastness of this park.
The position to look out for in the wee hours of the morning is the Sunrise Bridge, an aptly named section to watch the sunrise from a bridge that resembles an old-timey steel railway overpass. It’s a hark back to the old days of Kampong Punggol, when it was a rural village known for fishing, poultry and pig farming.
Shutterbugs would love this area too! With an abundance of sights to see, the fusion of waterways, flora and fauna would make for beautiful photography backdrops in the golden hour. Waterway Point, located right next to the park, should be able to provide air-conditioned refuge and refreshments after the early morning hike.
Address:
Sentul Crescent Road, Singapore 821313
How to get there:
From Punggol MRT station, take the LRT to Sam Kee station and alight to walk to the park’s entrance.
How long is the Punggol Waterway?
Punggol Waterway is a man-made waterway located in the northeastern part of Singapore. With a length of 4.2km, it stretches through Punggol Eco-town. The waterway was developed to serve as both a flood control measure and a recreational area for the community.
What can you do at Punggol Waterway Park?
Punggol Waterway Park is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a fun day out. You can enjoy many activities at the park, including cycling, jogging, hiking, fishing, water sports and picnicking.
4. Pasir Ris Park
Travel further east to find another excellent spot to catch a sunrise in Singapore—this time among lush greenery at Pasir Ris Park. Of all the things to do in the east of Singapore, the charming Pasir Ris Park has a slew of modern park activities for you to partake in, in addition to visiting its preserved mangrove forest.
Hit the Mangrove Boardwalk and keep strolling until you reach the three-storey Bird Watching Tower. Not only is this a tranquil place for bird watchers to observe our fine feathered inhabitants, it’s also the perfect venue to catch the sun rising into the morning sky from up high when you’re there during the earliest time of the day.
An alternative spot in the vicinity would be none other than Pasir Ris Beach itself, where an award-winning nature photographer snapped a couple of breathtaking images of the crimson sun rising with wildlife forming the foreground.
Address:
Along Pasir Ris Central
How to get there:
From Pasir Ris MRT Station or Pasir Ris Bus Interchange, walk to Pasir Ris Town Park and proceed up the path along Sungei Tampines.
What is there to do in Pasir Ris Park?
Pasir Ris Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, with plenty of activities and facilities available. Here are some of the things you can do in Pasir Ris Park: cycling, water sports, fishing, nature walks, barbeque, swim at the beach, and there’s also a playground for kids.
Can I swim at Pasir Ris Park?
Pasir Ris Park is located along the east coast of Singapore and has a designated swimming area near its beach. However, do take note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so it's essential to be cautious.
Sunrise & Sunset
5. Changi Boardwalk
Changi Boardwalk is a popular place for sunsets in Singapore for good reason. For one, the 2.2km boardwalk at Changi Point has a section dedicated to sunset chasers, appropriately called Sunset Walk.
Walk to the western most portion of this boardwalk to enjoy an unobstructed vista of the sea with the sun dipping into the horizon. If you squint, you can probably make out the lights of Punggol HDBs in the distance.
But don’t let the name trip you up—other sections of the boardwalk are just as great to catch both sunrises and sunsets from multiple angles—the Creek Walk lets you catch bumboats departing Changi Ferry Point Terminal, while the Beach Walk is a spot to enjoy the scenery beside the beach.
Don’t worry, the lamp posts along the boardwalk will guide you back to where you started, with dozens of rest points and other amenities to be found along the waterfront.
Address:
7A Gosport Rd, Singapore 509710
How to get there:
From Tanah Merah MRT Station take bus service 2 all the way to Changi Village Bus Terminal and walk to Changi Point Waterfront Park.
How long is the Changi Boardwalk?
The Changi Boardwalk is approximately 2.2km long. It offers beautiful views of the sea, lush greenery, and the iconic Changi Airport. The boardwalk is divided into sections, each with its unique features and attractions, such as fishing platforms, bird-watching stations, and lookout points. It is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike, especially during sunrise and sunset when the views are particularly stunning.
What is there to do at Changi Boardwalk?
The Changi Boardwalk offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. While you’re there you can take a leisurely walk or jog, try your hand at fishing, put your observation skills to use while bird watching, enjoy the scenery and visit the Changi Beach Park.
6. Yishun Dam
For a district known for some pretty hair-raising headlines, this spot up north might be one of the more underrated places to catch sunrises and sunsets, depending on which side of the dam you sit on.
The stretch of road might be busy with vehicles travelling to and from Yishun and Seletar, but don’t let that put you off! Take a seat along the breakwater and breathe in the panoramic seascape, with Malaysia’s Pasir Gudang in view as the sun rises. Head on to the other side of the dam and you’ll see Lower Seletar Reservoir dipped in hues of gold during sunset.
The lengthy stretch of the dam will also ensure that you get some privacy and more than enough space to have small picnics, romantic dates or a spot of photography depending on the time of your visit.
Address:
Yishun Ave 1, Singapore 769130
How to get there:
From Khatib MRT Station, take bus service 117 and alight at the bus stop after Yishun Ave 8 to walk to Yishun Dam.
7. Mount Faber
One way to soak in the sunrise and sunset in Singapore from up high in the city for free requires a fair bit of hiking up the country’s second-highest hill: Mount Faber.
The hilltop spot at the Mount Faber Lookout Point offers scenic views of the city skyline while reminding you that greenery exists in abundance, even in an urban district. After all, Mount Faber is covered by a secondary rainforest—though not as dense as Bukit Timah Hill, the highest point in Singapore.
Once you’re done snapping pictures of all the magnificent sceneries or checking out the views of our southern islands, a heritage trail awaits visitors wanting to learn more about the history and natural heritage of the hill. Otherwise, gear up for another hike in the great outdoors from Henderson Waves (the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore!) and down to the Southern Ridges, a 10km stretch of green open spaces that connects Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve.
Address:
Junction of Kampong Bahru Road and Telok Blangah Road, Singapore 099448
How to get there:
From Harbourfront MRT Exit D, make the long trek all the way up to Mount Faber via Marang Trail.
Is Mount Faber worth a visit?
As one of the oldest and most iconic hilltop parks in Singapore, Mount Faber offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, Sentosa Island, and the Southern Islands. There are several lookout points along the trail, including Faber Point which offers a perfect photo opportunity.
Mount Faber also has several dining options, a cable car station that takes you to Sentosa Island, and several hiking trails that lead to nearby parks. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a unique and memorable experience, Mount Faber has something for everyone and is well worth a visit.
Can you drive up Mount Faber?
Yes, you can drive up Mount Faber. There is a road that leads to the summit of Mount Faber, where you can find parking facilities near Faber Peak. Besides walking and driving, you can also take a cable car ride from Harbourfront to Faber Peak, which offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the surrounding areas.
If you stay around the east, there are so many gorgeous spots to watch sunrises and sunsets. Watch the video below for inspiration!
Now that you’ve got all the details, all that’s left is for you to actually drop by these spots and bring along your shooters of choice; be it the smartphone in your pocket or a full-fledged camera setup. Or just enjoy sunrises and sunsets as it is — perhaps taking in these simple, peaceful moments in the soft glow of the sun are more of what we need as we start moving past trying times.
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