Plizio Visual Lab
Marina Barrage
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
coast
The Marina Barrage is a multipurpose dam built across the 350-meter wide Marina Channel, creating Singapore’s fifteenth reservoir and the first in the city center. Officially opened on October 31, 2008, it provides three main benefits: water supply, flood control, and a venue for lifestyle recreation. The barrage creates a massive freshwater lake that meets about ten percent of the nation's water demand, boosting Singapore's water sustainability. During heavy rain, a series of nine crest gates and seven giant pumps release excess water into the sea to prevent flooding in low-lying areas of the city. The facility is also a model of green design, featuring a Solar Park with over 400 panels that generate electricity for the building's internal needs. Its accessible grassy roof, known as the Green Roof, provides natural insulation for the structure and serves as a popular public space for kite flying and picnics.
- Location: Singapore
- Nearby: Orchard Road (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 235 | 102 | 168 | 193 | 199 | 164 | 174 | 173 | 167 | 210 | 283 | 300 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The facility is excellently connected to the urban network and can be easily reached by public buses, taxis, or via scenic pedestrian and cycling paths from downtown.
Best season
The site can be visited year-round but gives the most spectacular views of the city skyline during the cooler late afternoon and early evening hours.
Terrain & paths
The area features wide, flat concrete surfaces and a spacious, walkable grass roof that curves gently upwards over the modern architecture of the dam structure.
What to bring
Light casual wear is perfectly adequate, but good sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen is absolutely necessary on the open, shadeless green space of the roof.
Parking
There are modern, easily accessible parking garages right at the facility, which however reach capacity quickly during major urban events or busy weekends.
Safety
The vast, manicured lawns are very safe for families, though visitors are asked to respect the designated barriers and railings near the hydraulic engineering structures.
Time needed
A typical trip here lasts about one to two hours, which is handy for enjoying the sunset, flying kites on the roof, or visiting the dam exhibit inside the building.
Geography
Facts
- Officially opened on October 31, 2008
- 350-meter wide dam across the Marina Channel
- Supplies approximately 10% of Singapore's water needs
- Features 9 crest gates for water level management
- Solar Park with more than 400 solar panels
- 7 giant pumps each discharging 40 cubic meters per second
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Marina Barrage (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is Marina Barrage?
It is a dam structure that also serves as a leisure park.
Can you access the roof?
Yes, the green roof terrace is freely accessible.
How is the view from there?
You get a fantastic view of the Singapore skyline.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it is well-suited for kite flying and picnics.
When is the best time to visit?
The atmosphere is most beautiful at sunset.
Marina Barrage: where is it located?
Marina Barrage is located in Singapore.
Marina Barrage: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.
Marina Barrage: why is it worth visiting?
The Marina Barrage is a multipurpose dam built across the 350-meter wide Marina Channel, creating Singapore’s fifteenth reservoir and the first in the city center.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Singapore →
Nearby cities
Downtown Core
The economic heart of Singapore, encompassing the Central Business District and Marina Bay area.
Bukit Merah
A mature residential estate with a mix of public and private housing, parks, and commercial buildings.
Toa Payoh
The second satellite town built in Singapore, a mature estate with a strong sense of community.
Kallang
A sports and entertainment hub, home to the Singapore Sports Hub and located by the Kallang River.
Bishan
A centrally located residential town known for its well-designed public housing and the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Bukit Timah
A prime residential district known for its lush greenery, prestigious schools, and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Chinatown
A historic district showcasing a mix of old temples, traditional shophouses, and modern bars and restaurants.
Little India
A vibrant ethnic district offering a blast of sights, sounds, and smells of Indian culture.
Singapore City
The heart of the city-state, a global financial hub with a tropical climate and multicultural population.
Kampong Glam
Singapore's historic Malay enclave, known for its trendy boutiques, hip cafes, and the Sultan Mosque.
Orchard Road
Singapore's premier shopping belt, lined with luxury malls, department stores, and upscale hotels.
History & landmarks
Singapore Flyer
A giant observation wheel that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline and beyond.
Marina Bay Sands
An integrated resort famous for its unique architecture, featuring three hotel towers topped by a massive rooftop SkyPark.
Helix Bridge
A pedestrian bridge known for its design inspired by the DNA structure, linking Marina Centre with Marina South.
ArtScience Museum
A museum that explores the intersection of art, science, culture, and technology.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
A waterfront performing arts center nicknamed 'The Durian' for its unique spiky roof design resembling the durian fruit.
Merlion Park
Merlion Park is a famous Singapore landmark and home to the Merlion statue, a mythical creature with a lion's head and the body of a fish.
Nature
More places
Old Police Coast Guard HQ
An Art Deco building from the 1930s that served as the headquarters for the Singapore Police Coast Guard.
Gardens by the Bay
A futuristic park in the heart of Singapore, known for its Supertree Grove, giant tree-like structures that light up at night.
Masjid Hajjah Fatimah
A mosque dating back to 1846, known for its unique leaning minaret, reminiscent of the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.
Istana Kampong Glam
The former sultan's palace of the Malay royalty of Singapore.
Sultan Mosque
A prominent mosque in the historic Kampong Glam district, known for its massive golden dome and impressive architecture.
Marina Bay Financial Centre
A prestigious business district housing multinational banks, financial institutions, and major corporations.
Raffles Hotel
An iconic colonial-style hotel known for its luxurious service, historical significance, and as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling coc…
Civilian War Memorial
A memorial dedicated to the civilians who died during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II.