Singapore is famous for many things, from its hawker centres with authentic cheap eats, to ig-worthy places like SuperTree Grove, iconic rooftops, dreamy viewpoints, and much more. But do you even know which is the tallest skyscraper in Singapore?
Contrary to belief, particularly among tourists, Marina Bay Sands Hotel is not the tallest building on the island. Ironically, it doesn’t even make the Top 30 list because it only measures around 194 metres in height. In fact, Guoco Tower is the tallest building in Singapore.
The mixed development tower in Tanjong Pagar measures a whopping height of 283.7 metres. First built in 2016, Guoco Tower broke the record held jointly by One Raffles Place, Republic Plaza and UOB Plaza for more than 20 years. Interestingly, it’s the only skyscraper in Singapore exempted from the law forbidding buildings from exceeding a height of 280 metres.
Meanwhile, the iconic CapitaSpring, which has the tallest sky garden in Singapore, opened in Downtown Core in 2021 with a height of 280 metres. This means it joins One Raffles Place, Republic Plaza and UOB Plaza as the second-tallest buildings in Singapore.
Here are the five tallest buildings in Singapore:
1. Guoco Tower (283m)
2. One Raffles Place (280m)
3. CapitaSpring (280m)
4. United Overseas Bank Plaza One (280m)
5. Republic Plaza (280m)
However, Guoco Tower will not be the tallest building in Singapore by 2028, unveiled by SOM. Chinese company Alibaba will build a 63-storey, 50 floor skyscraper with a height of 305 metres. 8 Shenton Way also aims to be one of the most sustainable buildings in Singapore. Additionally, it will house Singapore’s highest residences, restaurants, offices, hotels, and retailers.
History of Guoco Tower – tallest building in Singapore
Now that you know Guoco Tower is the tallest building in Singapore, here’s a quick history lesson for you:
Guoco Tower, located in Tanjong Pagar, was formerly known as the Tanjong Pagar Centre. It was developed by GuocoLand and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 2012, exhibiting 64 floors and 1.7 million sq ft. Initially, it was planned for 290 metres in height.
Guoco Tower today
In 2023, Guoco Tower is a symbolic skyscraper merging the Central Business District and Chinatown. It’s opened 24 hours a day. There are conjoined towers providing multiple levels of car parks, a 20-storey hotel as the right tower, retail stores, offices, restaurants, entertainment, and other attractions. Additionally, there are quick links to underground pedestrian networks and the MRT station. Learn more on the Guoco Tower website.
📍1 Wallich St, Singapore 078881
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