This CNY festive season, the Marina Bay Waterfront promenade will be lit up with a drone show titled The Legend of the Dragon Gate.
I headed down to view the drone light show on its opening night on 10th Feb 2024 and there was a massive crowd. To help you get the best out of the experience, I’ll be sharing more about how it was for me.
The drone light show starts at 8pm where you will see green-light drones ascending into the sky from the side near Marina Bay Sands. The show lasts around 10-minutes and features a large dragon moving around the sky (details on schedule and location below).
Bring an Umbrella
Just as the show began, it started pouring pretty heavily. Lots of people who didn’t bring umbrellas started running off :”) so be sure to bring an umbrella if you’re watching from an unsheltered area.
Our Experience Trying to Avoid The Crowd
We took the Downtown Line (DTL) and there was a large group of people on the train, all heading to Bayfront MRT station. In order to avoid the crowd, we headed to a different location as we were anticipating a crowd since it was the first show.
Since it’s a drone light show in the sky, I was thinking of alternatives where we could have a view of the bay and decided to alight and Downtown station.
We arrived around 7:30pm and there were a few people at The Lawn (location details below) but it was not overly crowded. This was how it was at 7:36pm:
Further down, at The Promontory which is right at the Singapore River, there were quite a lot of people gathered there.
By 750pm, we could see that The Promontory was pretty packed with people.
We ended up sitting along the steps at The Lawn for the show where there were other people but it was not too crowded. With its close proximity to Downtown MRT, it was convenient for us to hop back on a train to head home.
After seeing the news of how packed the crowd was at MBS, I’m so glad we decided not to go to Bayfront MRT.
Places to Watch the Dragon Drone Show in Singapore
To be honest, you don’t need ‘front-row-seats’ for this show as it is in the sky. In fact, I think it might actually look better from a distance where the formation of the drones would look more obvious on what is being portrayed. When it is too up-close, it becomes more abstract and just looks like a bunch of light dots.
The show can be viewed from anywhere with a view of the bay in front of MBS. Here is a list of places that potentially offer a good view of the show.
Disclaimer: This is a list of potential places I think would offer a good view of the bay and the dragon drone show. I have only viewed the show from The Lawn @ Marina Bay. The list is meant to be used for inspiration, I cannot guarantee access to any of the locations at your time of visit.
Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade
This is the official venue listed for the event by Marina Bay Sands. However, it is likely to be more crowded considering how it was on the first day.
If you’re looking to avoid the main bulk of the crowd, recommend to try other alternative locations listed below.
From this location, you can also stay on after the 8pm Dragon Drone light show to catch the Spectra Light & Water Show at 830pm
The Lawn @ Marina Bay
This is where I watched the show from. Bring a picnic mat to chill on the grass patch while waiting for the show. Alternatively, you can sit on the concrete steps.
There are benches along the side, but you may not get the best view from sitting at the bench.
Your view may be slightly obstructed by trees at some parts of the show here. Easily accessible by Downtown MRT Station.
Address: 8A Marina Blvd, Singapore 018984
The Promontory @ Marina Bay
Grassy field located in front of The Lawn and by the Singapore river.
No tree obstruction. Most people will be standing on the field. There was a food truck there on the first day if you need a snack…but the show is also only 10 minutes.
Address: 11 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018940
The Fullerton Pavilion
Located opposite MBS, this spot is likely to give you a spectacular view of the show with the iconic Marina Bay Sands towers in the background.
Address: 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049213
Waterfront Promenade Esplanade
Located slightly further from MBS compared to the other locations above, this spot provides a full view of Singapore’s iconic skyline. Potentially a good spot to view the drone show, away from the Bayfront MRT crowd.
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Dragon Drone Light Show Details
Dates for The Legend of the Dragon Gate drone light show:
- 10 Feb (Sat), 11 Feb (Sun), 12 Feb (Mon) at 8pm
- 15 Feb (Thu), 16 Feb (Fri) at 9pm
According to the official Marina Bay Sands website, there is accompanying audio for the show
For a dynamic show experience, tune in to the accompanying audio track from wherever you are.
Download the SkyStream app on the App Store or Google Play. Enter the code 3RG9 and tap on ‘Listen to Show’.
Enjoy the show and have a happy lunar new year!
