Saturday, March 2, 2013

The Singapore Flyer ~ World's Largest Observation Wheel



30 Raffles Avenue 
Singapore 039803

One of the 28 capsules of the Singapore Flyer.

Before we visit Singapore, Me and Balong did a lot of research and planning trying to make sure that we are all well aware of the top 20 best tourist spots of this small yet amazing country. We told ourselves that each tourist should be visited and planned meticulously in order not to encounter problem along the way. What’s great about touring Singapore, all of its landmarks are accessible either by train or bus which you can find almost everywhere, but expect plenty of walking (as in A LOT!). Taking a taxi is way too expensive unless you're in a hurry to go to certain places. The only thing you need to worry about, having enough money in your pocket (ahahaha!)…

The signage at the entrance.

The view of the Flyer on our way to the Singapore's 1960's food street
At first, we were hesitant which spot to choose between “The Singapore Flyer” and “Marina Sky Sands and Park” since both attractions encompasses the beauty of Singapore's skyline from bird’s eye view. Balong, BFF Lemwuel and myself were arguing about it and we ended up, visiting both trademarks (ahahaha!) Sometimes in order for you not to be disappointed, you just have to go with your instinct no matter what your doubts be (ahahaha!).
The 3 tickets we bought that cost us SGD 29.50 each.
The exact replica of 'The Singapore Flyer' found at the 'Journey of Dreams'

Right after we visit the ‘Fountain of Wealth’, we left directly to the Marina Centre where ‘Singapore Flyer’ is located. It drizzled yet it didn’t stop us to our destination. We always stick to the plans “no buts and no ifs” (ahahaha!). We make sure that whatever plans for that day, it should happen no matter what. We only have one (1) week to explore and we should maximize it if possible (ahahaha!)….. Thanks God because after a few minutes the rain suddenly stopped. That is how notoriously unpredictable tropical countries like Singapore are; sometimes the weather is perfect yet suddenly rain pours (come on!!!!!). I was praying actually that it should seize as we haven’t brought any shirt; we don’t wanna be soaked in wet no!!! (waaaaaaaa…).

Trademarks of Singapore's on a concave cinematic screen.
The Journey of Dreams

If you would like to take the MRT, it is so easy to locate then. One can take the MRT and stop at City Hall Station or Promenade Station which will provide you with a  mere five-minute walk to Singapore Flyer! From City Hall station, cross the road to Raffles Hotel and take bus 111, 106 or 133 from the bus stop in front of the hotel and alight at Temasek Avenue and cross the road to the Singapore Flyer.

Tourist spots in Singapore conceptualized in the 'Dreamscape'.

I just don't know how it happen, but it looks cool right?
After brunch in Singapore’s 1960’s themed food street in the ground floor of the building, we left the food court and headed directly to the queu for buying the tickets, I forgot to bring some cash; hence, we used my credit card. It's the first time ever that I used my credit card abroad (haissssstt!). I was so hesitant at first but have no choice though as we haven’t seen any ATM. We bought 3 tickets for SGD 29.50 each, around P975.00 or USD23 per person.
The oneiroi’s orb ~ a tactical display using a myriad of circular artefacts from the past and the presnts to represents the Flyer's sperical shape
View of the terminal building that supports 'The Flyer'

Before heading to the flyer, we passed through the check point of the building just like in the airport. There is a conveyor security belt for baggage’s just to ensure safety for all the passengers. The construction of the flyer cost a staggering SGD 240 million; thus, security should be strict since it is one heck of an expensive ride, noh! (ahahaha!).
Inside the air-conditioned capsule, we are around 15.

Seeing the islands of Batam in Indonesia.

An interactive media 'Journey of dreams' attraction greeted us on our way up. We explored each corner of the exhibit as it provides visitors an in-depth understanding about Singapore's past, present and future. It also explains how this iconic and engineering marvel attraction was built starting from planning to its current actual wonder.
This is the first landscape view that caught us just on our way up.

It looks scary but look how beautiful the place is.

The 'Journey of Dreams' consists of 5 stations. First up, 'The Prelude'; as it names suggest, this is the introduction to all visitors who will enter the flyer. Every nationality that will pass through here will be greeted by 'Flyer character' in different languages. Next, is the 'Dreamscape' that exhibits' history images of Singapore in a concave panoramic screen. The third, 'The Discovery', it explains the story on how 'The Flyer' was built, it's structure, and it's 28 capsules. The fourth is the 'Fragment of Dreams'; this is where we stayed for a while as we played with the torch (ahahaha!). Well, other visitors do the same though (ahahaha!). In this very spot explains the compelling story of the dreams and aspirations that lie at the very heart of Singapore Flyer surrounded by nation's history and culture. And lastly, the 'Reservoir of Dreams' as it features the oneiroi’s orb, the planet, and the numeric.

The Marina barrage. We suppose to come here but we will plan it next time. This place is good for kite flying.
Lemwuel taking a pose while i was checking for the surroundings.

Right after our exciting visit to the 'Journey of Dreams' we headed to the boarding area. There were already many passengers' waiting in line and our excitements heats up (ahahaha!). Am afraid of heights really but I keep controlling myself since we paid SGD 88.50 noh! (ahahaha!).
 

The famous 'Gardens by the Bay'.

View of the Garden from the top.
Will visit this place soon. :)
Who will not be excited to see the breathtaking and stunning panoramic view of Singapore's skyscraper in different vantage point, ayt? We waited for a year for this and at last it came to reality. The Singapore Flyers stands at a stunning 165m, reaching 42-storey building, built over a three-story terminal building. Each of the 28 air-conditioned capsules is capable of holding 28 passengers but that is too compressed I guess. I never been to United Kingdom yet but this is the answer of Singapore to the famed London Eye; it's just that The Flyer is 30 meters higher thus it was considered as the 'World Largest Observation Wheel'.

The breathtaking view of the 'Merlion' from afar.
The Science Museum just outside of the Marina Bay Sands and Casino.

Getting in the air-conditioned capsule was an awesome experience (ignorance strikes again ~ ahahaha!). The staff divided the passengers by groups and on our pod we are around 15. I was a bit scared honestly, was just hoping that my fear of heights wouldn’t trigger (ahahaha!). It was a slow moving wheel and as if like you're riding a slow motion elevator (ahahaha!). You will not feel anything really; but when it revolve it's really incredible as you will see Singapore from many heights and multiple perspective points extending to the Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan, as well as Johor, Malaysia. Once you’re up there, you really can’t put a price on the breathtaking view. Aside from surrounding islands, you’ll be treated to a visual 360° feast of iconic and historical landmarks and views of Singapore such as the Singapore River, the Merlion, the magnificent Marina Bay Sands and Parks, the Garden by the Bay, the Esplanade, the Raffles Place, the Fullertun Hotel, the Empress Place and a lot more!!!! (whew!!!)



The stunning 'Esplanade' that looks like Durian cut into two.
The beautiful skyline of Marina Bay.
The 30-minute flight to experience the magnificent skyline views, stunning scenery and waterfront architecture of Singapore with Balong and BFF was a guaranteed fun. Taking a flight on this SGD $240 million wheel is a one-of-a-kind experience that we will not forget. It's more than just a view, but a unique and moving experience in itself. Will we ever come back again? I guess we will as long as our family will come along with us J. Wanna try? Hop-in for you to experience the largest wheel of Fortune in it’s own rights.



This is what will awaits if you hop-in.
So there you go, that’s it for now….




Rainforest Discovery is up next.




Cheeeeerrrrrrrrrioooooooooossss





Enan signing off.


:)







2 comments:

  1. Singapore is a small country but it is a place worth a visit or maybe, a place worth living. That's why I have decided to seek for a place from Hilltops. Maybe they can offer me a reasonable one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck and happy hunting, Sloane. Singapore maybe a dot in the map but very ideal to live in. Cheers.

      Delete