Towering over the Marina Bay area, the Singapore Flyer awaits. This giant observation wheel offers more than just a ride. It gives you a breathtaking panorama of Singapore.
The Singapore Flyer officially opened in April 2008. But its story began much earlier. Patrick MacMahon conceived the idea in the early 2000s. He worked for Melchers Project Management.
Planning commenced in 2002. Singapore Flyer Pte Ltd was formed. Melchers held a 75% stake. Orient & Pacific Management held the rest.
The Singapore Tourism Board endorsed the project in 2003. They leased the land to Singapore Flyer Pte Ltd. Takenaka and Mitsubishi were the main contractors. Arup served as the structural engineer. Arup had experience building the London Eye.
Construction started in 2005. It took two and a half years to complete the Singapore Flyer. In 2008, the Singapore Flyer opened its doors. Corporate flights were held during Chinese New Year. Tickets cost a whopping S$8,888. This number is auspicious in Eastern culture. The first public rides were on Valentine’s Day. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attended the official opening.
Standing at 165 meters tall, the Singapore Flyer was once the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. It was surpassed by the High Roller in Las Vegas in 2014. The Singapore Flyer has 28 air-conditioned capsules. Each capsule can hold 28 passengers. That is about 784 people at one time. The capsules provide unobstructed views.
A complete rotation on the Singapore Flyer takes about 32 minutes. Initially, the wheel rotated counter-clockwise. Feng shui masters advised reversing the direction. The rotation was changed in August 2008.
The Singapore Flyer has appeared in movies and TV shows. These include “Crazy Rich Asians” and “The Amazing Race”. Even the South Korean band Twice visited the Flyer.
Straco Corporation Limited acquired the Singapore Flyer in 2014. They own 90% of the Flyer. WTS Leisure Pte Ltd owns the remaining 10%.
Imagine being in one of those capsules. The Singapore Flyer glides gently into the sky. The city unfolds beneath you. The skyscrapers gleam. The gardens bloom. The sea shimmers. You are witnessing Singapore from a unique vantage point.
The Singapore Flyer is more than just an observation wheel. It is an icon of Singapore. It represents innovation, ambition, and the pursuit of breathtaking experiences. So, take a ride on the Singapore Flyer and embrace the spectacular views.