Singapore, with its stunning blend of futuristic architecture, lush greenery, and coastal vistas, is a fantastic destination for a helicopter tour. Seeing the Lion City from above provides a unique perspective on its iconic skyline and natural beauty. This guide will help you navigate the options and make the most of your helicopter experience in Singapore.
1. Why Take a Helicopter Tour in Singapore?
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Unparalleled Views: Marvel at Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa from the skies.
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Exclusive Experience: Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat.
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Compact Cityscape: Singapore’s layout makes it ideal for a concise yet comprehensive aerial tour.
2. Top Helicopter Tour Providers
1. Seletar Helicopter Tours
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Departure Point: Seletar Airport.
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Highlights:
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Explore Marina Bay, East Coast, Sentosa, and the Singapore Flyer.
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Private and shared tour options.
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Tour Length: 20–30 minutes.
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Cost: Starting at SGD 1,500 per flight (for private tours).
2. Singapore Heli Services
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Departure Point: Seletar Airport or customized locations for private charters.
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Highlights:
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Customizable routes to include the city skyline, offshore islands, or neighboring countries.
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Corporate and luxury packages available.
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Tour Length: 30–60 minutes.
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Cost: SGD 2,000–4,500 depending on duration and customization.
3. VIP Air Helicopter Charter
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Departure Point: Multiple helipads in Singapore (Seletar or Marina South Pier).
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Highlights:
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Luxury charters with personalized itineraries.
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Aerial views of Marina Bay Sands, the Southern Ridges, and Jurong Island.
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Tour Length: 20–40 minutes.
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Cost: Starting from SGD 2,500 for private tours.
3. What You’ll See
A helicopter tour offers sweeping views of Singapore’s most famous landmarks:
City Landmarks
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Marina Bay Sands: Fly over this architectural marvel, including its iconic infinity pool and observation deck.
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Gardens by the Bay: Witness the Supertree Grove and Flower Dome from a bird’s-eye view.
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Singapore Flyer: Circle around one of the world’s largest observation wheels.
Coastal and Island Highlights
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Sentosa Island: Admire the luxury resorts, Universal Studios, and sandy beaches from above.
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Southern Islands: Explore St. John’s, Lazarus, and Kusu Islands for a serene contrast to the city buzz.
Green Spaces
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Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Singapore’s greenery.
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Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: View Singapore’s lush tropical rainforest canopy.
4. Types of Helicopter Tours
Shared Tours
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Cost-effective option where you share the helicopter with other passengers.
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Ideal for couples or small groups.
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Fixed routes covering the main attractions.
Private Charters
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Perfect for families, corporate groups, or special occasions like proposals or anniversaries.
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Customizable routes and durations.
Special Packages
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Romantic Flights: Includes champagne and romantic music for proposals or anniversaries.
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Photography Flights: Slower speeds and specific routes for optimal photography.
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Corporate Packages: Tailored for VIP clients or team events.
5. Booking Tips
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Advance Reservations: Helicopter tours are popular and limited in availability. Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance.
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Weather Check: Singapore’s weather can be unpredictable. Confirm flight conditions on the day of your tour.
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Cancellation Policies: Ensure you understand refund or rescheduling options in case of weather disruptions.
6. What to Expect on the Day
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Arrival: Arrive at the departure point 30–45 minutes before your scheduled flight.
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Briefing: Safety instructions and a brief overview of the flight.
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The Tour:
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Smooth, stable flights with large windows for panoramic views.
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Noise-cancelling headsets to communicate with the pilot and hear commentary.
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7. Tips for an Enjoyable Experience
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Timing Matters:
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Morning Flights: Clear skies and optimal visibility.
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Evening Flights: Romantic sunset views and stunning night lights.
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Dress Comfortably: Light clothing is best, as helicopters can get warm.
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Capture the Moment: Bring a good camera or smartphone with a wide-angle lens.
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Stay Relaxed: Helicopter flights are stable, but inform the operator if you’re nervous.
8. Safety Considerations
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Helicopter operators in Singapore adhere to strict safety protocols, with well-maintained aircraft and experienced pilots.
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Listen carefully to the pre-flight safety briefing.
9. Combine Your Tour with Other Activities
To make the most of your day, pair your helicopter tour with other activities:
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Marina Bay Sands SkyPark: View the city from another angle before or after your flight.
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Sentosa Adventure: Spend the afternoon enjoying beaches or theme parks on Sentosa Island.
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Luxury Dining: Book a meal at a rooftop restaurant like CÉ LA VI or Spago.
10. Cost Summary
Provider Tour Length Price (SGD) Key Features Seletar Helicopter Tours 20–30 minutes 1,500+ per flight Scenic routes over the city Singapore Heli Services 30–60 minutes 2,000–4,500 Customizable tours VIP Air Helicopter 20–40 minutes 2,500+ Luxury charters
11. Quick Sample Itinerary for a Helicopter Tour Day
Time Activity 10:00 AM Arrive at Seletar Airport 10:30 AM Pre-flight safety briefing 11:00 AM 30-minute helicopter tour 12:00 PM Lunch at a nearby restaurant 2:00 PM Explore Gardens by the Bay or Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
A helicopter tour in Singapore offers an unforgettable experience of this vibrant city. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an extraordinary adventure, seeing Singapore from the skies is a moment to cherish forever.