Land reclamation from 1971
The Marina Bay history begins with a decision to extend the city centre onto new ground. Land reclamation started in 1971, and over the following decades the shoreline moved out into the water. The last 38 hectares at Bayfront were added in 1994, and by the end of the 1990s the development area covered 360 hectares. That figure describes the land planned for development, not the water of the bay.
The new district was planned as an extension of the existing financial and business centre, with public spaces, culture and leisure beside the offices. Today it is the part of the city where the planned waterfront, the promenade and the gardens meet, and you can see the result for yourself on the things to do in Marina Bay page.
Our take: a walk through the historic centre
This guided walk tells the story of Singapore's historic centre on the way to the bay.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Walks and tours around the bay
Guided city and waterfront walks, with live prices and availability.
The Merlion 1972 and 2002
The Merlion was unveiled in 1972, sculpted by Lim Nang Seng, and it stood at the river mouth long before the bay took its present shape. In 2002 it was moved about 120 m to its present spot, after the Esplanade Bridge, built in 1997, began to spoil the view of the statue. Many walks around the bay pass it today.
The free park around the statue is open day and night. The Merlion Park page covers hours, maintenance in November 2026 and how to get there by MRT.
Marina Barrage 2008
The Marina Barrage was opened on 31 October 2008. It dams the Marina Channel and serves three purposes: it supplies water, protects the low-lying city from floods and provides a place for recreation. The reservoir did not turn into fresh water on opening day. Desalination by natural renewal with rainwater began in April 2009, and the water was put into service as a freshwater reservoir on 20 November 2010.
The grassy Green Roof on top is open to visitors around the clock, and the Sustainable Singapore Gallery explains the water story. Swimming, bathing and washing in the reservoir are not allowed. You can read more on the Marina Barrage page.
Promenade and Helix 2010
2010 was a landmark year for the bay. The 3.5 km Waterfront Promenade was completed, the Helix pedestrian bridge opened beside the new Bayfront road bridge, and the first i Light festival took place. The promenade joined the quays and the new districts into one walkable loop around the water and remains the easiest way to understand how the pieces fit together. The Helix Bridge page describes the walk and the nearby MRT stations.
The next edition of the festival is planned for June 2027, with the days announced closer to the date.
Gardens by the Bay 2012
Gardens by the Bay opened in 2012 on reclaimed land at the edge of the bay. Three years later, in 2015, the Jubilee Bridge was added to link the Merlion Park with the promenade in front of the Esplanade. Those two dates complete the picture of the waterfront as it appears today: a park, a connecting bridge and a continuous walking route.
Since then the gardens have kept adding programmes, such as the Jurassic World attraction in the Cloud Forest since 29 May 2025. The Gardens by the Bay page lists the current tickets, hours and maintenance days, and the Supertree Grove page has the evening show times.
Fullerton Building 1928
The older story of the waterfront belongs to the river mouth. The Fullerton Building was finished in 1928 and served for many years as the general post office and as a home for public offices. Collyer Quay, beside it, belongs to the historic port and mail district. It shows what the shore looked like before the land reclamation pushed the city outwards.
Today you can see the building from the water on a cruise or from the quay on foot. The Singapore river cruise passes the river mouth, which lets you see how the old shore and the new bay sit side by side.
If you want a longer look at the timeline in person, a guided walk through the historic centre ending near the Esplanade and the Merlion is one way to do it, and the tours page collects the walking options.
Marina Bay history: frequently asked questions
When was Marina Bay built?
Land reclamation began in 1971, and the last 38 hectares at Bayfront were added in 1994.
Is Marina Bay natural?
Much of the district stands on reclaimed land, and the Marina Barrage dams the Marina Channel.
When did the Merlion move?
It was unveiled in 1972 and moved about 120 m in 2002.
When did Gardens by the Bay open?
In 2012. The Jubilee Bridge followed in 2015.