Walk around millions of dazzling lights at illumi Singapore, an outdoor walkthrough experience now open at the Bayfront Event Space beside Marina Bay Sands.
illumi Singapore at Marina Bay
From 13 September 2024 to 2 February 2025, a shining universe of lights is open to explore at Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay. Billed as the world’s largest light, sound and multimedia show of its kind, illumi – A Magical Universe of Lights and Multimedia has made its international premiere in Singapore.
Dejiki’s Review
We’ve seen multimedia light shows in all sorts of formats, and this is supposed to be the biggest one in Singapore – it’s hard to miss the enormous setup beside Marina Bay Sands. At its core, this is not really some profound immersive experience, but really a walkthrough comprising several millions of LEDs among other light installations, animatronics, and other multimedia effects. On a typical visit, you will have up to 90 minutes to explore all 9 zones, and take all the photos and videos you want everywhere. You are allowed to touch and pose very close with most exhibits (except some that are blocked with ropes), which is quite rare.
Is it worth it? Yes, if you enjoy outdoor walking experiences (such as light/ night festivals) and similar night installations. There is a lot of “content” to take in, and the immense volume of lights within some environments does produce a certain visual magic. However, there are some zones that just seem like a random mix of things put together. The price can be quite steep for a light show, especially if going as a group. Tickets start from $25 for adult (above 12 years old) and $15 for child (2 to 12 years old). You can easily book tickets for illumi from Pelago, an official ticketing partner for this event. (More event details are also available on Pelago’s website.)
Given its long run (September 2024 to February 2025), there will be some changes to the line-up of light installations as illumi adapts to seasonal events, such as Halloween, Christmas and Chinese New Year. So different people will see slightly different things over illumi’s 6-month stint in Singapore.
illumi Singapore – Walkthrough Video Tour
Go on a walking tour and explore all the worlds of illumi Singapore in this video:
illumi Singapore – Full Photo Tour
After scanning your tickets, the first area is the illumi Plaza, where you can buy food and drinks, and shop for souvenirs. There are no amenities inside the experience, so use the restrooms here before starting your journey.
The Magical Forest
Wander inside an Alice in Wonderland-inspired world filled with giant snails, mushrooms and fairytale creatures.
It’s a strange area to start with, but at least it picks up in the next zone.
The Infinite Poles
Reindeers and penguins welcome you into this icy, winter wonderland – dotted with sparkling igloos and stalagmites.
The igloos are a popular photo spot.
Dune Palace
Be enchanted as you wander into a souk and golden palace that glistens under the night sky, in a land filled with ancient secrets and magic.
One of the two carnival rides, the Chair Swing, can be found here.
The Tunnel of Colours
Lighted flowers dazzle and mesmerize as you walk through this passage.
The illumi Tree
At 47 metres high, the tallest sculpture at illumi Singapore is also the world’s tallest tree of lights. Some 50,000 LED lights were used to create this spectacle, which is dynamically animated throughout the night.
There’s a stall selling refreshments at the base of the tree, which is also lined with benches so you can marvel at the lighting effects.
Beside the illumi tree, you can also find an indoor play area for children.
I think the area around the tree might be one of the spaces that would receive seasonal decor throughout the Singapore run.
The Jurassic Kingdom
Dinosaurs fans will love this area, which is filled with the iconic dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures from the Jurassic Age.
It’s looks like a wild mix of dinosaurs, giant reptiles and whatever that could fit in the space.
The Enchanted Maples
Step right into an area inspired by Canada (where illumi originated from) with glowing maple trees, folk music, and farm animals.
While the maple trees do look nice for photos, the rest of the zone was odd.
This is perhaps, the weakest zone because it just seemed like a lot of random “farm house” elements thrown together.
The second carnival ride in the experience, the Carousel, looks oddly familiar.
Wall of Lights
Endless curtains of sparkling lights shimmer like crystals in this winter-like universe.
It’s giving budget teamLab, but with gnomes and rabbits.
Puppies & Kittens
Enjoy taking whimsical photos with numerous cats and dogs in this park ruled by a few gigantic cartoon ones.
This is also the last zone of the experience.
Can I restart from the beginning?
While the illumi website explained that every ticket holder can only experience the walkthrough once, there was no restriction on the opening night (also the media preview). The website also explained that you can’t go backtrack after entering the next area, again, this was not enforced during the opening night. This may differ for other nights, or nights with high attendance.
Back at illumi Plaza
You’re back at illumi plaza, where you can pick up some souvenirs from the gift shop or some refreshments from the stall, before leaving the venue.
Here are some of the items available, along with the prices:
illumi – A Magical Universe of Lights and Multimedia
Singapore Edition at Marina Bay
Bayfront Event Space (beside Marina Bay Sands)
From 13 September 2024 to 2 February 2025
Event venue opens from 6:30PM. Experience open from 7:15PM to 10:30PM daily
Book tickets now from Pelago, an official Ticketing Partner for illumi Singapore.
For tickets to other popular attractions in Singapore and the region, you can also visit Klook via my link.
Any idea what happens if it rains?
In the event of rain, the event will still go on. According to the event organiser “the illumi site will remain open in all weather conditions. For safety reasons, we may have to cancel certain activities in extreme rainstorm conditions.”
If you are concerned, they have the Ticket Insurance option (a $10 add on per ticket) that allows a one-time exchange of ticket to another time, due to weather or any other reason.
Amazing, where can buy the tickets?
You can get them from Pelago, an official ticketing partner for this event. More event details are also available on Pelago’s website.
Can buy tickets at the event itself?
There is a ticket booth at the event site, but same-day tickets are subject to availability.
What about tickets for senior citizen of singapore any special rates?
Doesn’t seem like it. At this time, the same prices apply for visitors above 12 years old.
Can walk in to buy tickets?
You can buy from the ticket booth right beside the entrance, but same-day tickets are subject to availability.
Why isn’t there any special light up for Deepavali , which is also known as ‘festival of lights’? Deepavali falls on 31/10/24. It is more significant.
How many Singaporeans celebrate Halloween ? What is the relevance to do for Halloween , anyway.
There is a yearly light up in Little India. We don’t need to be special and no one is special
Everyone of us are known as Singaporeans. We are a multi racial country for a reason.
You can organize one and invite others to come.
Why tickets on tuesday are cheap as compared to other days ?
Tickets are priced based on demand, so there might be lower crowds expected on Tuesdays as compared to the rest of the week.
sorry improvising above question, why tickets are cheap in oct and they are getting costly from 31 oct ?
Hi, it was mentioned on 2nd sunday of the month pets are allowed inclusive of dogs as well. But big dogs like golden retriever require muzzle? My golden is extremely friendly. I think this request is not unreasonable for pet owner. Can the management look into this as it’s mentioned “pet friendly”. But how is this pet friendly? I enquire through the official ticketing website doesn’t have option to ask. Only AI supporting the enquires. I look forward to a reply, thanks!
Hi, it was mentioned on 2nd sunday of the month pets are allowed inclusive of dogs as well. But big dogs like golden retriever require muzzle? My golden is extremely friendly. I think this request is quite* unreasonable for pet owner. Can the management look into this as it’s advertised to be “pet friendly” event on certain Sunday But how is this pet friendly? I enquire through the official ticketing website doesn’t have option to ask. Only AI supporting the enquires. I look forward to a reply, thanks!
Hi Elaine,
These guidelines are set by the experience operator. Please contact them at [email protected]