Singapore has undergone a huge transformation in the last few years. If you have been to the Marina Bay 10 years ago and come again now, you won’t even recognize the place. Yes, it was a metamorphosis! The newly reclaimed area at the Singapore harbor front is now a place with all sorts of fun and entertainment.
Well, Singapore is not big – and I visit Singapore at least 1-2 times a year. I have seen the key sights in the city and there was a time I decided to stay within the Marina Bay, hang around the Marina Bay Sands resort, enjoy the infinity pool and discover Garden by the Bay.
* Garden by the Bay *
The Garden by the Bay used to be a new attraction in town (not so much now). Yet, I am still impressed by its design as I enjoyed the view and breeze on the balcony of one of the Marina Bay Sands Suites every time I am in town.
The Garden by the Bay has three major attractions – the Supertree Grove, the Flower Dome, and the Cloud Forest. There is more like the FarEast Organization Children Garden, Satay by the bay and the Meadow.
What I love about the Garden was the easy access. It’s closely connected and in walkable distance to the Bayfront MRT Station and the Marina Bay Sands (the connecting bridge is separated from the hotel though). It is more than a typical botanical Garden, the park has a theme and it is a trendy place with exciting design elements that make the garden lively and multi-dimensional.
* The Supertree Grove *
Called the OCBC Skyway (named after the sponsor) is a group of solar-powered light posts that dressed like a tree. Look up in awe at dramatic plant displays, and the Skyway is a 22-meter high bridge connecting the trees, offering a bird’s eye view of the garden. When night falls, the Supertrees were quite super – they come to life with a spectacular light and sound show, powered by the solar power saved up during the daytime. Very very Avatar, and very very green.
* Flower Dome *
From the balcony of my hotel room, I noticed two futuristic greenhouse-like structure was erect on the waterfront. Visitors could decide their own ticketing combo; first-timer should usually visit both places (Flower Dome / Cloud Forest).
The Flower Dome did surprise me in a certain way. Apart from flower arrangements, it has a well-organized succulent collection that was quite special and new to me. Wandering amongst thousand-year-old olive trees and unusual Baobabs of the cool-dry Mediterranean and subtropical regions, you look into the world from a different perspective.
* Cloud Forest *
So when we enter the Cloud Forest it was just in time for misting!! The tower was spraying mist all of the sudden and I felt like I was walking through a mysterious fairyland. The cloud forest is a 35-meter man-made mountain with waterfall; visitors could explore the highlands amidst orchids, pitcher plants, and ferns from the cool-moist Tropical Mountain region. Walking in and out of the mountain was like a hike – and inside the mountain, there was exhibition introducing the formation of rocks, the difference of stalagmite and stalactite, etc!
* ArtScience Museum *
The day I went to the museum feature a Hermes exhibition that was lucky: FREE! The museum’s exhibition floor (2/F) changes its theme periodically and the one that I missed was the Harry Potter exhibition.
Leather Forever – was the theme of the exhibition and the floor was cut into 12 rooms with 12 exhibitions of that related to the passion and history or Hermes with leather. The materials that created bags, from plume to Kelly to Birkin… We went up to the 3/F there was another free exhibition about Science. (Check out Instagram: Singapore Modern Art Scene)
* Infinity pool and Sky deck *
It was a …. VACATION! Therefore, some pool time is definitely necessary (no matter its day or night). One of the coolest things about the pool in MBS is that it’s an infinity pool, and it’s built on the 59th floor. What’s more, it has a view of the entire Marina Bay, including the Singapore CBD. So, you could soak yourself in a pool, enjoy some sun with a Pina Colada in your hand, and enjoy the view of the entire Singapore City in the same spot.
The pool is only limited to the hotel guest – which is thankful for me. Actually, it’s busy enough with just the hotel guests, but don’t worry, they have plenty of chairs. The view has it’s beauty day or night. I can’t really choose, except it’s raining. The upper part of the sky deck is exclusive to hotel guests, too. I was surprised to see quite a lot of visitors from Japan and Korea stayed at the hotel during my stay.
* Fountain show *
The only thing that I would “consider” seeing again would be the fountain show at the waterfront, with the Singapore’s skyline as a background.
However, it was raining and it’s yet another light and sound visual stimulation that not very much special.
If only you were at Marina Bay Sands – you could consider. There are two shows every night, and three for the weekends.
* i Light Marina Bay *
i Light Marina Bay is Asia’s leading sustainable light art festival, held in the Marina Bay. The festival inaugurated in 2010 and owing to the success, the event takes place biennially in 2012, 2014, and 2016, and will continue to take place annually!
There were more than 22 light installations scattered all around Marina Bay in 2018 (from 9 March to 1 April), while most of the exhibits are created and design by contemporary artists in the region. Like “Dancing Grass” by Yuree Hong and Siyong Kim, Light Play by NTU’s School of Art, Chandelier of Spirits by Living Spirits, and Octopoda by Amigo and Amigo.
It was a really beautiful night all visitor enjoyed a wonderful walk along the bay; my friends also found got some nice designer goods (and name cards) at the flea market by the bay as well!
If you are interested to learn more about the event, and participate next year, visit: https://www.ilightmarinabay.sg
KNYCX Journeying
Any thoughts, tips or questions?