Helix Bridge ~ World’s first double helix bridge

Raffles Avenue 
besides Benjamin Sheares Bridge
Marina Bay, Singapore

Entrance of the pedestrian bridge.

Just for the span of 4 hours; Balong, Lemwuel and myself have already visited 4 tourist attractions in Singapore that we considered top of our list (crazy itinerary as it was ~ ahahaha!). We visited the ‘Fountain of Wealth’ ~ world’s largest fountain in 1998, ‘Singapore Flyer’ ~ world’s largest observation wheel, ‘Youth Olympic Park’ ~ Singapore’s first art park, and the ‘Helix Bridge’ ~ world’s first double helix curved bridge. Look at that, which country would top that huh? (ahahaha!). Singapore’s is known to have several attractions that are named either ‘the world’s largest’ or ‘the world’s first’ trademark (come on!!!!). No wonder there are so many tourist who come here and we are one of those visitors who were mesmerized by this country.

View of the Youth Olympic Park and Helix Bridge from Singapore Flyer

Right after our 30-minute flight in 'Singapore Flyer', we headed directly to Marina Bay Sands and Park. Just on our way out, we’ve seen gatherings of armies with several booths and banners inviting Singaporean citizens to be a part of the reservist. We’ve seen trainees distributing leaflets and it’s a good opportunity for Balong to have a picture with them (just a souvenir though ~ ahahaha!). I wish to have a picture with them too but BFF and Balong just left me behind (ammmmmmppp!!! ~ ahahaha!). What can I do? Well, just run after them then (ahahaha!).

Y.O.G. ~ Youth Olympic Games held on August 2010.

[On the side note: Our drama starts here as well (ahahaha!), as Balong and I had a fight because of my wallet!!! (I know it was my fault really ~ waaaaaaaaaa..) Haysssssss… and guess who was our mediator? Our BFF of course, Lemwuel Janoya! I don’t want to explain further, but Helix Bridge was the sole witness (ahahaha!).]

The logo that commemorates the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

Anyway, enough of the drama and let the journey begins (ahahaha!). We passed through the “Youth Olympic Park’ which is located in the junction of Raffles Avenue and the Bayfront Bridge. It's Singapore’ first art park which visitors can enjoy an enriching and interactive art experience. All the Youth Olympians of the world who joined the commemoration has its own name written in a granite slab posted in a replica of 3 obelisk design forming a triangle. I was searching for the list of Philippine representatives; however, I can’t find it anywhere. There is one slab missing in one of the obelisk and maybe the list can be found in there.

The three obelisk with names listed of all the participants around the world.

There are so many artworks in the vicinity that is so interesting. Several collages of the participants on the wall just underneath the huge ‘Youth Olympic Park’ signage is what I fond the most. Even I wasn’t able to witness the event personally but seeing all of their ‘Kodak moment’ was good enough as if I was in there too.

Collage that i love the most. Have you seen the picture of a Filipino representative with a ball on his hand?

There is as well a landscaped maze featuring a replica of a mountain with a wind-activated figurine of a girl at the top that holds a flag with the words ‘I want to scale the highest mountain in the world’. We spent half an hour in the park while taking some shots for this blog. There is no tour in here actually, this is just a small park around ¼ hectare that memorialize the first ever Youth Olympic in Singapore way back in August 2010.

'I want to scale the highest mountain in the world' ~ dream big!!!!

After several shots we left the park and witness the ‘world’s first double helix bridge”. If you are an engineer, an architect or just mere visitors like us, you will be amazed how beautiful the bridge really is. Starting from the entrance you will be transported to an iconic marvel that only Singapore have so far. In order for you to learn about the history and what is the purpose of the pedestrian bridge, have a minute to stop for a while in the opening of the bridge just after the ‘Youth Olympic Park’ as there is a signage in there that specifies in details what is ‘helix bridge’ all about.

Double Helix Bridge detailed information.

I can’t say much with regards to Engineering or Architectural terminology as am not one of them; however, to express my opinion on how stunning the bridge is, way more than words can say. Just prepare yourself to be awed once you have any plan to visit the place. Personally, this is the most beautiful bridge I’ve seen; the design itself is incredibly intricate, really AWESOME! Well, great enough as it’s considered as the world’s first curved bridge that sits right beside the flyover that links 'Youth Olympic Park to Marina Bay Sands. It is a landmark bridge that helps complete the circulation around the Marina Bay, alongside the vehicular Benjamin Sheares Bridge.

This is what the helix model look like.

Getting in the bridge is like you’re entering a see-through cylinder, where you can see its frame intertwined to each other. This has become a showcase of futuristic architecture in Singapore and is a perfect place for photo taking. If your focus is just the pedestrian bridge itself, it’s really overwhelming; however, to include into consideration the breathtaking beauty of panoramic view of Singapore’s skyscraper and the Marina Bay from multiple angles then it's amazingly PERFECT!

The world's first double helix bridge with Marina Bay Sands on the background.

I was just wondering how do they built the pedestrian bridge since I’ve seen a lot of screws connecting one stainless steel to the other (ahahaha!)? Well, you should ruminate what you learned in biology class at school for you to understand the design, since the idea concept was resembled to the DNA structure. I passed my biology class way back and still remember the project we have with regards to DNA model and I witness its grandeur in here (ahahaha!).

View of the Double Helix Bridge from one of the 5 platforms.

You know that there is also a story behind this architecturally unique bridge? They said that the design was inspired by yin and yang in Feng Shui that brings wealth, happiness and prosperity. The tubes from the inner and outer helix that coiled from separate direction symbolizes life and continuity, renewal, everlasting abundance, and growth. If I am not mistaken, most of the structures in Singapore has significant meaning like the one in 'Fountain of Wealth' in Suntec City? Well, who wouldn't want to have some good luck, right? (hehehe!)

BFF Lemwuel said that the bridge is even more beautiful at night as there are light productions in the bridge. He advised, that the best time to visit would be around 6:30 PM onwards, when the sun just about to call it a day. Unfortunately, we haven’t experienced that since we were too tired that night right after our dinner in Makasuntra (ahahaha!).

Breathtaking view of Singapore's skyline.

The only down side in here, there is no place for shelter; there are some fritted-glass and steel glass canopies that provides shades; yet, if rains pours better run for yourself inside the  Marina Mall or else be ready to get wet (ahahaha!) However, despite the minor flaw, Kudos to a good job.

The under-bridge passage for boats to Marina Barrage.

So that’s it for now, to complete your  memorable experience in Singapore, be sure to visit this engineering marvel situated in the heart of the city.

The captivating view of Arts Science Museum, Marina Bay Sands, and the marvelous Helix Bridge.

After our tour, we treated ourselves with my favorite dirty ice cream for SGD 1.20 each. Try it for yourself.

Have a great day/night everyone…


Singapore Zoological Garden is coming up next.

Cheeriiioooossss!!

Enan signing off……..
 


:)