Marina Bay ~ lies the signature skyline of Singapore (Part 1)

Marina Bay

Singapore

The magnificent view of Marina Bay atop the Singapore Flyer.

Before we visit Singapore, Balong and I been to several discussion whether to spend our anniversary slash his 25^th birthday in the Philippines or Singapore. If we have to do it in the Philippines, our destination would be in Palawan as we plan it way way back; however, when we received an invitation from our dearest friend Lemwuel who is based in Singapore to visit them, then we made a 360 turn around (ahahaha!). Without a do we said a huge ‘YES!’ and so darrnnnn excited to be in this small yet amazing country of Singapore.

Marina Bay Sands, Double Helix Bridge, Art Science Museum and the Central Business District.

It’s our first trip abroad together but we've been traveling in separate ways. I only have 30 days vacation per annum and we must maximize each day in order not to waste as days runs so fast. This ‘travel’ thing is our priority so that we both have a ‘we-time’ (selfish mode ~ ahahaha!). If given a chance, we would like to do it annually to celebrate our anniversary, preferably out of the country (ahahaha!).

View of Central Business District from the crown of the Merlion in Sentosa Island.

Singapore is a stellar city when it comes to attraction. There are lots of spots that is worth to visit and explore with fascinating attractions and destinations which truly perfect for families and friends get away. You can find almost everything as varieties of astounding places to enjoy will easily spoil your mind on which to visit first and then latter. To name a few, they have lots of parks engulfs with lush greeneries, museums filled with artifacts, historical monuments and landmarks, hostel to 6 stars hotels, stunning manmade beaches, panoramic views of the surrounding islands, diverse culture, rich heritage, religious shrines of different congregations, vibrant night life, restaurants here and there, and lot more that makes this place a paradise made on earth for the visitors. 

From left: BFF Lemwuel, Balong, me, and Llowel during our visit to Merlion Park, the enduring icon of Singapore.

One thing that really excite us before we made a final decision is when we saw the enduring icon of Merlion facing the Marina Bay. It has a unique beauty in itself that is hard to resist, ayt? It's a trademark that in ourselves we would like to visit firsthand than to see just in pictures and movies. As what other would say, you never been to Singapore if you have no picture with the Merlion, that's why when we made the long list of itineraries that we would like to visit; Marina Bay is the first district that comes to our mind.

View of the Gardens by the Bay.

Our first day covers mostly in Bon Lay and Mandai Lake as we visited the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Singapore’s Jurong Birdpark and Singapore Zoo. They are quite far from the city center but there is no problem locating these places as brochure and pamphlets around MRT stations, hotels, restaurants, and Changi Airport to learn about these spot is absolutely FREE!!!! (lav it! ~ ahahaha!)

Balong showing me the LRT/MRT route around Singapore. Ok baby, i get it (hehehe!).

The second day is the highlight of our journey as we devote whole day exploring Marina Bay where the signature skyline of Singapore can be found (truly AMAZING!). We may spent one whole day in here but yet there are still some attractions that we haven’t been too because of time constraints (too bad!)

May i know what you're looking for? We are going to Marina Bay, ayt? (ahahaha!)

Marina Bay is the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore, located in the southern part that  serves as a pendant of this beautiful country. It is a major business and financial center of Asia and offers the panoramic landscape of modern civilization. Some of the attractions in here requires lots of cash to indulge but it also abounds with so many freebies for budget traveler. We may spend few bucks during our flight with The Flyer and our visit to Sand Skypark but it was the best experience ever!!!!!

Nope, you're not in MRT to Katipunan it is from Kallang Station to City Hall.

Moving around Singapore is very much accessible by any means of transportation. The island nation has one of the world’s efficient public transportation system, if not the best. Metro Railway Train (MRT) is what we fond of using because wherever we go, the train will direct us straight to our destination effortlessly. 

Wherever you go  in Singapore each subway is filled with arts for you to enjoy... whew!!!!

Marina Bay is just around 20 minutes from Changi International Airport and is widely connected via MRT underground tunnels that surrounds the bay via underground links: 1) Marina Bay Station (CE2, NS27), 2) Bayfrount Station (CE1), 3) Promenade Station (CC4) 4) Raffles Place Station (EW14, NS26) 5) City Hall Station (EW13, NS25), 6) Esplanade Station (CC3). Bus and taxi are the least of your worries as you can find them almost everywhere or else be with the locals, don’t hesitate to ask question pretty sure they help you out along the way. Don’t worry with regards to language barriers because 70% of Singaporeans do speak English, just tell them to explain slowly as they sometimes speak fast (hehehe!).

We supposed to visit Marina Barrage right after Singapore Flyer but we shifted to Marina Bay Sands (hehehe!).

The unique design of Supertrees inside Gardens by the Bay.

There are countless things to do and see while in Marina Bay. Singapore may appear insignificantly tiny on the world map but don’t be fooled by its size as this country has something huge and wide to offer to its visitor. Here are the list of attractions and destination that we’ve been too in Marina Bay, we may feel a bit exhausted because of the whole day of walking but it was a blast!!!! So here it goes:  

Believe that you're wish will come true by following the steps above (wink wink hehehe!)

                  1) Fountain of Wealth ~ is located in the centre of Suntec City just a few walks from Esplanade MRT Station (Circle Line). We were laughing locating the spot because at some point BFF Lemwuel forgot the way to this attraction (ahahaha!). We did a lot of u-turns before we reached the area; if I am not mistaken we already wandered each corner of Suntec City (ahahaha!).

Am i too excited to spell my wish? ahahahahaha

The beauty of Fountain of Wealth situated at the heart of Suntec City.

It was built according to Feng Shui principles. What is more interesting, the buildings that surrounds the fountain was built to form as a finger, and the fountain is considered as the palm (really awesome!). The perfect ring in the center was designed based on the Hindu Mandala meaning universe and is symbolic representation of the oneness in spirit, unity and harmony of all races and religions in Singaporean culture. It was supported by 4 large slanted columns and the inward flowing water of the fountain symbolizes wealth and good luck. When the fountain is turned off, visitors are invited to walk around a bubble jet located at the centre which is open to the public. To receive good luck, put one hand into the water at all times, walk around three times in a clockwise direction while thinking about your secret wish.

The facade of Singapore Flyer.

                 2) Singapore Flyer ~ is the best 30-minute flight experience we have to witness the breathtaking and stunning panoramic view of Singapore's skyscraper in different vantage point. We waited a year for this and at last it came to reality (ahahaha ~ poor Balong and I!). It’s the first time I used my credit card abroad and when I checked it after a month, the exchange rate is staggeringly HIGH!!!! (ammmmppp ~ ahahaha!). However, it’s one awesome trip to treasure forever. 

Balong and BFF Lemwuel during our take off in Singapore Flyer.

The 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. We’ve never been to United Kingdom yet but this is the answer to the famed London Eye; it's just that The Flyer is 30 meters higher, thus it is considered as the 'World Largest Observation Wheel'.

Manmade waterfall inside the rainforest discovery.

                3) Rainforest Discovery ~ is a built-in tropical rainforest occupying the entire central atrium of the main terminal building just underneath the wheel. From the garden, visitors can view the rotating Flyer's capsule and the beam that support the wheel. The garden is surrounded by shops, hawkers and souvenir items for visitors to enjoy. I persuade Balong and Lemwuel to go along with me checking the place but they prefer to stay in the ‘Singapore’s 1960’s-themed food street’ situated just in the entrance.

The garden is not really that huge, unlike Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden located near to Bon lay MRT Station; however, the ambiance is very soothing especially if you are tired of walking or just merely passing time to unwind. There are plenty of chairs around and one can sit to enjoy the surroundings. The garden is composed of tropical trees and bushes, man-made waterfalls, streams, rocky outcrops, pond and access path fuse together naturally to offer a picturesque landscape for relaxing. Just wish to have this kind of garden at home (ahahaha!!!)

                 4) Youth Olympic Park ~ is located in the junction of Raffles Avenue and the Bayfront Bridge. It's Singapore’s 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. Where would they be? (ahahaha!)

 

There are so many artworks in the vicinity that I fond the most like the series of framed collection of pictures by the participants on the wall just underneath the huge ‘Youth Olympic Park’ signage. Even I wasn’t able to witness the event personally but seeing all of their ‘Kodak moments’ is good enough as if I was in there too.

                  5) Double Helix Bridge ~ is considered as one of the architectural marvel and named as 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 wonder 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 in the opening of the bridge just after the ‘Youth Olympic Park’ as there is a signage that specifies in details what is ‘helix bridge’ all about.

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 as the design itself is incredibly intricate, really AWESOME! The canopies are connected with thousands of screws (really!!! ~ ahahaha!). It is a landmark that helps complete the circulation around the Marina Bay, alongside the vehicular Benjamin Sheares Bridge. From here, you’ll see the impeccable beauty of Singapore’s signature skyline that lurk within Marina Bay from 5 observation deck of the bridge.

Next page please, just follow the link below, thanks....... 

Marina Bay ~ lies the signature skyline of Singapore (Part 2)

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Sentosa Boardwalk ~ exploring the first garden-themed gateway in South East Asia

6 Sentosa Gateway

Sentosa Boardwalk, Singapore

Next stop, SENTOSA ISLAND ~ Singapore! (excited mode! ahahaha!) Balong and I wake early because we have plan to spend one whole day in here. Last night, we went to Mandai Lake and experienced the Night Safari and it was a blast! We enjoyed the nostalgia with the nocturnal world of animals and it’s a bit creepy I may say but it was an adventure not to forget. Kudus to the one who materialized the setting as they were successful in creating a jungle-mood scene. We spent almost 5 hours and it's fascinating to see animals in different light via the open tram ride. We admit we were tired and exhausted but we pampered ourselves with 8-hour of sleep from 11:3opm to 8:ooam thus, it gives us recharged energy for the whole day (ahahaha!).

                                                                                           Sentosa Boardwalk Directories 

Starting from our hotel, we travelled via LRT (East West Line) from Kallang Station (EW 10) to Outram (EW 16) then an MRT (North East Line) from Outram (NE3) to Harbourfront (NE1) where the Vivo City Mall is located. Before heading to Sentosa, we stopped first to our preferred and favorite bakery ‘The Breadtalk’ as our day is incomplete without a dozen assorted bread serve as our 'baon' everywhere (hehehe!). Everytime we see a store outlet, expect us to have tray and tong for a treat, that's how shallow we are though (ahahaha!). Starting from the day we arrived in Singapore, we haven't missed a day not to stop in here.

Stunning view that awaits you while in Sentosa Boardwalk.

Right after a yummy treat with ‘bread talk’, we decided to do the long way and agreed to have a leisurely stroll at Sentosa Boardwalk as we already tried and hop-on the monorail the other day to Siloso Beach.

Sentosa Boardwalk is another ‘first’ attraction to indulge while in Singapore as it is named as the 'first garden-themed boardwalk in Southeast Asia'. This is a pedestrian link that begins from 2^nd floor of Vivo City Mall that stretches along the waterfront promenade just beside the main bridge of Sentosa gateway. It is straightforward for tourist who wanted to explore the vicinity ‘on foot’ without having those long waits of the monorail or express busses to the islands.

Ticketing booth and the detailed map of Sentosa Island.

There are 4 two-way travellators to use if ever you're in hurry. It's like you're just standing the whole time while letting the machine walk for you (hehehe). Rain or shine is the least of your worries as there is long canopy that covers the whole pedestrian that helps cool down the humidity if ever you'll pass by in the middle of the day.

Huge signage of Resorts World Sentosa at the end of the boardwalk which already part of Island.

We’ve seen different themes in each travellator but don’t know how it differs from one themed to the other as they seem the same, but one thing am sure of, there is a rock garden! (ahahaha!). The length of the boardwalk is less than a kilometer I guess, so pretty sure about 10 to 15 minutes you’ll be on the island. 

The colorful Sentosa Express from the island to Vivo City.

Like the Double Helix Bridge near Marina Bay Sands in Bayfront Avenue, the Sentosa Board Walk is also the best place to see the panoramic view of the shoreline of Sentosa and Harbourfront.  Since it’s an open-space walkway, you'll see the colorful monorail in all its glory that passed above every 5 minutes. In addition to that, Mount Faber’s famous cable car that passed through the open air to Imbiah lookout station can be seen here as well.

The manmade cave that will lead you to the Visitors Information Building.

It’s around 9:ooam when we took the stroll and luckily no one is around and it feels like we own the whole place (ahahaha!). It's better to travel in the morning because there are only few visitors that's why it give you ample time to explore the whole promenade without competing with other tourist.

One of the restaurants on your way in but since we arrived a bit early most of the outlet is still close.

 ‘Gelateria Venezi’, ‘The Wine Company’ and the ‘Queens’, are just few restaurant and café’s that mushroom the vicinity; however, since we were there early no outlet  opened yet. The passage here is free unless you enter Sentosa Island, there is a ticketing booth at the end of the promenade that cost SGD 1 around P33.00 or USD0.75 per person. If you have  EZ link you can use it for easy and more faster access as you don’t need to pass through the booth but go straight to the entrance machine.

Many Du-language information directory can be found in most corner of the vicinity.

Entering the island, there is a huge billboard of 'Sentosa, Resort World’ positioned at the edge of a manmade cliff around 30 meters above the ground. The cliff is complete with manmade waterfalls and cave embellished with stalactites and stalagmites sans the bat (ahahaha!). To complete the whole tropical setting, the place is surrounded with hundreds of trees and shrubs and modern pathway for easy navigation. There are many trail signs around therefore it is not an excuse if you get lost.

View of Sentosa Boardwalk at night.

It was a good start here in Sentosa I should say. The weather is perfect and can’t ask for more as Balong and I had a great time so far. There is a Visitor Information Building at the entrance of the island that will help you out along the way. 

The three mesh wire sculptures located near The Wine Company.

By the way, in order for you to loss a few pounds why not try to have a jog in here? It's a great place you know accompanied with the natural sea breeze.

So there you go, I need to park in here now, see you soon in our journey in Universal Studio!!!!

Cheerrrrrrrrrrrriioooeessss

Enan signing off.

SMILE everyone.

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Esplanade, Theaters by the Bay ~ prime reflection of Singapore

1 Esplanade Drive

Singapore 038981

The closer look at the intricate architecture of the Esplanade, Theaters by the Bay.

One of the interesting and architecturally unique that we witnessed while in Singapore’s Marina Bay is the presence of ‘Esplanade ~ Theaters by the Bay’ edifice.  Its conspicuous architecture is very astounding as its design is a precise replica of ‘durian’, a well known Southeast Asian tropical fruit which is too common in the southern part of the Philippines [Sigh! I missed the taste! (ahahaha!)]. The 2 oblong shape of the structure is undeniably outstanding and the roof is covered with thorn-like panel which is assembled scrupulously.

This magnificent view of Singapore's skyline awaits if ever you'll spend your vacation here.

Signage information explains that the Esplanade or colloquially known to locals as ‘The Big Durian’, officially opened on the 12^th of October, 2002. It was developed at a cost of about 600 Million Singapore Dollars which is equivalent to a staggering P19.8 Billion or USD 460 M! Whew! I may not be able to have that amount throughout my existence but just the experience of being in here is more than enough I guess (ahahaha!) 

The site map of Esplanade, colloquially known by locals as 'The Durian'.

We visited Esplanade for two consecutive times. First, when our best friend Lemwuel who is based in Singapore invited us to have dinner in Makansutra and the next is when we spent one whole day wandering all the attractions in Marina Bay. 

Interesting fountain to the underground metro.

Esplanade is a situated on the shores of Marina Bay just near the mouth of Singapore River. It is a waterside building built to be the center for performing arts which caters to all audiences with concerts, dance act, theater, recitals, various shows and cultural events. 

This is the picturesque view of the building from one of the vantage point during our flight in Singapore Flyer.

The closest stopped you can get to the vicinity is the underground Esplanade MRT Station (CC3) complete with so many memorabilia of many artist worldwide who showcased here in Esplanade. If you want to go to City Hall station, there is a link via the underground shopping center of City Link Mall and Raffles City. Just expect lots of walking as the place is quite far from each other, we even lost our way as Lemwuel forgot the exit going to The Fountain of Wealth. 

Balong took this from the observation deck at Sands Skypark

If Esplanade is the starting point of your entire journey within Marina Bay then you’re in the right place. There are so many things you can do in here as we devote a day just to explore all the spot that we wished to visit with. In your right is the famous signature icon of Singapore, the Merlion facing the stunning architecture of Marina Bay Sands and Double Helix Bridge. In your left is the Suntec City, where the famous 'Fountain of Wealth' is located. On the way to the front is a 10-minute walk to the ‘world’s largest observation wheel', 'The Flyer' and at your back is the place where all the party begins, the ‘Clark Quay’ just adjacent to the towering skyline of Central Business District.

'Sarong' an exhibit in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Esplanade.

On our visit at the interior of the building, we were fortunate as we witnessed various art pieces of native fabrics locally known in the Philippines as “malong” (Mindanao region) were arranged meticulously as a decoration exhibit in the foyer of the building. The display is called 'SARONG' which was organized by 'Brahma Tirta Sari Batik' Studio or BTS from Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

'Sarong' up-close by Brahma Tirta Sari Batik Studio (Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam)

The BTS were internationally renowned for their intricate, nuanced and time-intensive contemporary fine art textile that's why they were commissioned to start up the month-long celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the Esplanade. Brahma Tirta Sari which literally translates as 'creativity is the source of all knowledge' used contemporary language that will help bridge with the traditional practices.

This free exhibit explores the rich traditional root of ancient technique of batik textile of Indonesia believed as a work of the spirit. The fabric is decorated with drawing made of molten wax and it is then immersed in a dye bath. This piece of inspiration and the philosophy that underlies the creative process is already recognized as a UNESCO-designed world heritage. 

Outdoor theater located just behind the Esplanade.

An open area theater along Marina Bay Promenade that host several free outdoor performances.

A must visit too is the open-area theater along marina bay promenade called ‘Outdoor Theater' . The design is circular and has a tiered seating that can accommodate around 400 to a thousand audiences I guess. This venue host several free outdoor performances every week-end meant to liven up the arts scene from local bands and musicians worldwide. For music fans and lovers out there, come here for you to experience it. 

The beautiful backdrop of an open theater.

All in all, although the Esplanade building is sandwiched between many other interesting views that surround the Marina Bay, it's not something you should overlook. Just the distinct and intricate architecture alone makes it worth to stopover. Once you pass-by here, try to have some time in Marina Bay promenade too, it stretched along the side of Esplanade and a lovely place to unwind. 

Hello Flippy.... waiting for someone? hehehe..

Seeing the whole Marina Bay from different perspective is way more than words can say, don't miss the light and laser show that happen every night at 8 because it's spectacular. When hunger knocks, indulge yourself with sumptuous local dishes in the series of hawker stalls that lined up at "Makansutra", to complete your whole Singapore Tourist experience!

On our way to the underground metro in Esplanade, we saw this ad and BFF seems enjoying portraying to be one of the dancers huh? ahahaha!

So there you go, that is Esplanade, Theaters by the Bay, a prime reflection of Singapore.

Have a great day/night everyone.

Enan signing off.

Cheeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrriioooooooossssssssss..

SMILE :)

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