From a humble reclamation project in the 1970s sprung up what will eventually define Singapore’s artistic and engineering achievements that could only be dreamed of by its Southeast Asian neighbors and even by mega-cities from around the world. The Marina Bay, initially constructed to support the rapid growth of the city-state as a financial and commercial hub in the region and expand the Central Business District, has evolved to become a 24/7 center for exploration, exchange and entertainment.
A look at a photo compilation of these landmarks and you would understand why the Marina Bay has also become the subject of choice by many aspiring and professional shutterbugs.
1) Marina Bay panorama
On the southern part of Singapore and east of downtown, Singapore’s prime waterfront is a picture of efficient urban planning – of course with human touches thrown in – to make the city not just conducive for commerce, trade and logistics, but also for healthy and productive interaction with each other and with the city’s natural resources. Putting into account the challenges of limited commercial space, access to naturally breathtaking views, efficient transport of people and products, and social dimensions that encourage exploration, exchange and entertainment, the Marina Bay of Singapore – an engineering feat by day and a simply exhilarating view at night – exemplifies what a small yet determined country can do in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges that make countries far bigger than itself push the limits of their own potentials.
2) The Marina Barrage
Water reservoirs in Singapore have become architectural wonders and venues of water-based activities and not just simply sources of water. Such is the case of Marina Barrage, the most recent of Singapore’s effort to dam the mouth of Marina Channel, pool rainwater for a larger volume of freshwater supply, and alleviate flooding in prone areas such as Geylang, Chinatown, Jalan Besar and Boat Quay. But since the water level of the catchment basin is kept constant year-round, the Marina Barrage has also become a playground for water enthusiasts of kayaking, windsurfing and dragon-boating. Various pumps force out the water to sea in case of heavy rains, and the by-product force resulting to fountains of water, as pictured above, also provide an engaging entertainment.
3) The Helix Bridge
The Helix Bridge makes it possible to explore the Marina Bay and Marina Center on foot, and to take delight in the Singapore skyline from one of its canopies furnished with seats and adorned with works of art. Inspired by the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, this sinuous bridge was constructed with extreme precision and remarkable feat of engineering. A walk along this bridge at night treats pedestrians with colorful lighting that creates different moods.
4. The ArtScience Museum
Conspicuously designed after a lotus flower, the ArtScience Museum, found within the vicinity of Marina Bay Sands, is a welcoming gesture to all Singapore visitors as much as it is a venue for cultural, scientific, artistic and design/architecture exhibits curated by its partner museums.
5. Marina Bay Sands
Billed as the most expensive standalone casino property right in the heart of Marina Bay, Marina Bay Sands was developed by its namesake management from Las Vegas. Featuring a staggering 1.3 million square feet of convention/exhibition center and 2,561 rooms, the Marina Bay Sands also holds two theaters, one museum, a 800,000 square-foot shopping mall, an ice skating rink, and an atrium casino featuring 1,600 slot machines and 500 tables, easily the largest of its kind. The Marina Bay Sands is also the venue of choice for the mesmerizing Singapore Light Shows.
6. The Light Shows at Marina Bay Sands
Making an extravagant hotel even more spectacular, the Light Show is to Singapore what the aurora borealis is to the poles (OK, the comparison may be extreme). But if you want to see for yourself, come early and grab a strategic seat. Shows run nightly for 15 minutes at 8PM and 9:30PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays, an additional show runs at 11PM.
