Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer is a giant Observation wheel in Singapore. The final capsule was installed on 2 October 2007, the wheel started rotating on February 11, 2008 and it officially opened to the public on March 1, 2008. Tickets for rides on the first 3 nights were sold out for S$ 8,888 Singapore dollars (US$6,271)(£3,150.83GBP), an auspicious number in Chinese culture. The grand opening for the Flyer was held on 15 April 2008.

At a height of 165m, Singapore Flyer is the world's largest Giant Observation Wheel and is set to be one of Asia's biggest tourist attractions.

Featuring fixed capsules the size of a bus, the spectacular monument is capable of holding up to 784 passengers. Each capsule has a 28 person capacity and each revolution takes approximately 30 minutes.

Singapore Flyer was conceived and designed by Dr. Kisho Kurokawa and DP Architects, Singapore. It held its groundbreaking ceremony in September 2005 and was launched in 2008. It promises more than just a view, but a panorama that captures Marina Bay's skyline with a glimpse of neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia.

Reaching 42 stories high, the Flyer comprises a 150 m (492 ft) diameter wheel, built over a three-story terminal building, giving it a total height of 165 m (541 ft).

This exceeds the Star of Nanchang by 5 m (16 ft) and the London Eye by 30 m (98 ft).

Each of the 28 air-conditioned capsules is capable of holding 28 passengers, and a complete rotation of the wheel takes approximately 30 minutes.

Inspiration for Singapore Flyer sparked from national icons like the Eiffel Tower and the London Eye. On this inspiration, Dr. Kisho Kurokawa of Japan and DP Architects, Singapore developed the initial concept behind Singapore Flyer's design.

Renowned for his fascinating architectural concepts, Dr. Kisho Kurokawa delights in fusing other cultures into his designs. His choice of aesthetic features emphasise simplicity and harmony. Dr. Kisho Kurokawa's designs are unique and everlasting.

Dr Kurokawa's work partner, DP Architects, is also well known for architectural excellence. It is one of the winning teams for the design of the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay. Founded in 1967, the firm is mindful about creating architecture which reflects the human spirit and experience. It aspires to contribute to the Asian region as well as help Singapore transform into a City of Excellence in the 21st century.

Together, Dr Kurokawa and DP Architects combined their expertise and fashioned the avant-garde structure of the Singapore Flyer.

Singapore Flyer capsules are fitted with the latest cooling system, supported by a back-up air conditioning system and a solid roof. Passengers need not suffer from the heat when the capsule is 165 metres above the ground, for the capsules are fitted with UV protection to shield them from the blazing Singapore sun. The precision wind engineering also allows passengers to sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular skyline without worrying about any movements or vibrations.

Ergonomically designed, each capsule measures 4 metres by 7 metres and has an interior space of 28 square metres, comfortably accommodating a maximum of 28 passengers. The flyer also has elderly and wheelchair friendly synchronised double door entry/exit systems.

Direction: Initially rotating in an anticlockwise direction when viewed from Marina Centre, its direction was changed on 4 August 2008 under the advice of Feng shui masters.

Diameter: Singapore Flyer is 150 metres in diameter - about the length of 87 Singaporean men lying down head-to-toe. The average Singaporean man is 1.72m tall.

Height: Singapore Flyer measures at 165 metres in height - about the height of a 42-storey building. To amuse your child, describe the height as "31 male giraffes stacked on top of one another". The average height of a giraffe is 5.3 metres.

Land area: Singapore Flyer stands on 33,700m2 or 363,000 ft2 - an area that will fit 172 tennis courts or 1,120 parking lots. A typical parking lot is 30m2.

Capsule size: Each capsule is 4 metres x 7 metres - about the size of a city bus. There are 28 capsules. Each capsule can carry up to 28 passengers.

Speed it travels: 0.21m per second, or 0.76km/h.

Total capacity per revolution: 784 passengers.

It's the world's largest observation wheel.
Standing at stunning 165m, the Flyer is the height of a 42-storey building - that's some 30 metres taller than the famed London Eye. Taking a flight on this S$240 million dollar wheel is a one-of-a-kind experience you wouldn't want to miss.

It's the only place to see Singapore's magnificent cityscape.
As the wheel turns, you'll be treated to a visual 360° feast of iconic and historical landmarks and views from the Marina Bay to the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Merlion Park, Empress Place and the Padang. There is no other place in Singapore that offers these breathtaking, panoramic views.

You'll get to feast on famous local dishes.
Seafood Paradise @ Flyer, a popular restaurant among locals, serves up signature local dishes such as chilli crab, butter crab, cereal prawns and drunken prawns. Enjoy these authentic local dishes alongside innovative culinary creations by our local chefs.

You'll get a taste of our gourmet capital.
If local food isn't the fare for you, dine at any of the restaurants at the Flyer. The selection - from Indian fusion to Japanese delicacies and Italian epicurean - gives you a taste of why Singapore is the gourmet capital of Asia.

You'll get to indulge in Singapore's national pastime.
Food may be our nation's passion, but it's shopping that's our national pastime. At the Flyer, you'll be able to indulge a little in yourself. Jewellery, luxury watches, exquisitely handmade Japanese accessories and more await the avid shopper.

You'll experience urban nature.
Right in the centre of the atrium is a lush, tropical rainforest. The cascading water displays, streams, rocky outcrops and pond fuse together naturally to offer a picturesque landscape for photo taking.

You'll be able to fly - "for real".
If being 165m above ground level in a capsule exhilarates you, fly like a real pilot in a flight simulator that has all the gadgets and gizmos found in real commercial airliners. The simulator isn't a toy, it's been approved by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority for pilot training.

Your toes will be tickled by fishes.
On Level 2 is a fish foot spa - that's right - it's a spa where Doctor Fishes ("Garra Rufa") work their magic on your feet. These fish, imported from Turkey, have healing properties and will give you a pedicure you won't forget.

Your kids will have splashing wet fun.
Rest in the shade of the Greek Theatre located next to Singapore Flyer while your children frolic about our interactive water fountain. They'll have a blast with dancing water jets, shooting water cannons and water sprays at our cheery and colourful aqua playground.