Marina Bay

Marina Bay exudes a luxuriousness which is in itself attractive. There is no shortage of shopping here, but there are other attractions too, most especially the scenery and view. Stroll through Merlion Park, one of the lovely green spots in the city which provides a good place to relax and add to your collection of photographs. The legendary Merlion Statue is also located here. From the park you can also see the creatively designed porcupine-shaped Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and Marina Bay Floating Platform. The latter is the world's first and largest floating stage which also forms part of the venue for the Singapore Grand Prix. Nearby, too, is the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Center – the largest in Asia and with its own shopping and dining delights.

Get on top of the world with a trip on the famous Singapore Flyer for a breathtaking view of the city and even bits of neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia. Standing at 165m, the Flyer - built on the tip of reclaimed land area - is the largest Ferris wheel in the world, far surpassing the London Eye. It offers complete entertainment with restaurants and shops in the three-storey terminal building below it. Within walking range are the Suntec City Mall and Millenia Walk where plenty of food, shopping and entertainment can be found. Its first Integrated Resort, the Las Vegas Sands, is also scheduled to open next year, promising more entertainment with theatres, exhibition centres and luxury retail outlets.

Nearby are the Marina Square and its 8 thematic zones - Food for Thot, Galleria, Market Street Bazaar, Groove Nation, Unfettered Expression, Urban Sophistication, Family/Kids/Hobby and Art of Living - offering virtually anything and everything for all ages. Other than entertainment, however, do remember that the Marina Bay also has its own share of historical sites, namely near the Padang ('field' in the Malay language) area. You will see the City Hall which saw many momentous events since it was built in the early 19th century, among other things the surrender of the Japanese and the declaration of independence in 1963. The City Hall was also where Singapore's Prime Ministers were sworn in. Singapore's largest cathedral, the St. Andrew’s, Old Parliament House, and Old and New Supreme Court Houses as well as the Civilian War Memorial are also around the Bay. If you have the time, hop on a ferry at the Marina South Pier for a quick trip to the smaller but equally attractive Kusu Island. The nearby St John's Island also provides overnight accommodation although it would be more suited to camping.

Want to let off some steam after all that walking around? Marina Bay is even more elegant at night and there is plenty of accommodation from which you can pick to rest for the night. If you're looking to really pamper yourself with a luxurious experience then The Ritz Carlton Singapore is the place for you. Classic decor and fine dining await you here, with gorgeous views of the city skyline and Bay. Located in the heart of Marina Centre, the hotel is beautifully landscaped with seven acres of luscious greenery. Its opulent ballroom is one of the finest in the country, and you can be sure the best beds await you. With prices starting at SGD370 (USD254), soak and delight in its extravagant beauty to your heart's content.

 

If vintage beauty is your choice, the alluring charm of Fullerton Hotel will surely captivate you. This chic boutique hotel, formerly the General Post Office, stands on the Singapore River with an exquisite view of the sea. Its rooms are priced at SGD318 (USD218) but at the Fullerton, you will enjoy your stay not only for its comfort but also the elegant ambience it offers.

 

Not all the hotels are extravagantly priced however as the Marina Mandarin Singapore Hotel guarantees an equally good night's rest without decimal points that burn too deeply in your pockets. Also situated on the waterfront, the Marina Mandarin is within walking distance to and from the Bay area. Feeling tense? Ease your stress at its St Gregory Spa and allow yourself to melt under the professional care of its masseuses or dip into the mineral water pool overlooking the city to clear your body and mind. There is also an amazing culinary selection from Italian cuisine to local fare for you to sample. With rooms starting at SGD176 (USD120), it is perfect for rejuvenating after a long day of roaming. The entire better for more activities the next day!

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