Marina Bay Sands : Inside and Out

The Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is the newest iconic landmark at the Singapore Bayfront. Teamed up with the view of Merlion, the Singapore Museum of Arts, the Grand Fullerton Hotel, the Helix bridge, the hip Esplanade Hall (aka the Durian) and the Singapore Flyer, makes for a breathtaking skyline.

A clear skyline makes a wonderful backdrop, to think that in the same morning it was actually raining like crazy in the same area.

 I had an opportunity to stay overnight at the MBS for an annual company event. It was interesting to be able to see MBS from the inside after several photo ops from outside.

The interior of the MBS Hotel as you enter the lobby is nothing awesome or frivolous which is a stark contrast to the grandeur of its exterior. It's not that bad, but simply falls short of expectation. My benchmark in Manila being the Manila Peninsula and the Manila Hotel. Actually, the lobby feels like an extension of the Marina Bay Shoppes- and technically speaking, it is! It IS a very busy lobby as a matter of fact. Like the entire city was in there. You can access the Mall, the Casinos and the Exhibition Center via an underground channel. The posh-factor was likely invested on their Casinos.

 We were booked in a twin sharing room and got a bayfront view which is spectacular at night. The room and the bathroom were spacious and has a modern minimalist look. We only spent less than six hours of sleep and did not really get to stay a minute more in our room. We did however, hanged out at a colleague's room while chatting the night away.



Masette's room has a panoramic view of the Bayfront. With the Esplanadae and Singapore Art Museum (I call it Adidas) at the background.



Ready for the Dinner Event!

Before leaving, we definitely made sure we get to visit the famous view deck at the 57th Floor. The view deck is designed as a ship nestled atop the triple towers of Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
The long infinity type pool dotted with lounging chairs welcome you after you walk past by the security. You need to show your MBS door card to be able to enter the view deck, else be prepared to shell out for the bragging rights ("been there").

View of the Infinity Pool. Literally "swimming at the edge".

I thought that it must probably feel weird to be swimming at the infinity pool with swarms of locals and tourists flocking the pool side for photo op. Folks like us basically.

There are two gourmet restaurants situated at the prime spot atop MBS-- Sky 57 and Ku De Ta. You need a reservation (and a hefty amount of money) to dine there. The making of Ku De Ta was featured in Food Network Asia.

At the far end of the deck is a spacious boardwalk where people can hang out and enjoy the view of Singapore harbour. I realized that while the ship looks massive from below, it doesn't actually look as intimidating once you are on the deck. You could be walking along any random park, for that matter.



You have to insert $1SGD at the coin slot to use the telescope. I warned Dwight that the 1SGD isnt taking him any far....



At weekend nights, a firework display follows a Light and Sound show at the Marina Bay at around 8 pm or so. If you've nothing to do on weekend nights, it is worth hanging around to see the L&S show.

The light and sound show about to start. Taken last April 2011 after we watched Lion King.

The Marina Bay Shoppes is their shopping mall with all the global and luxe brands. When shopping in Singapore, dont expect to get a bargain. You wont. But if you are looking for a hard to find design or latest trend that you normally wont see in say. Manila, then yes, Singapore it is.

This is my weird side kicking in... I have many shots of the Marina Bay Sands but my favorite picture was taken from the Marina Barrage. We were doing an outdoor teambuilding activity and I snapped a picture of the MBS framed by what I noticed to be rainclouds looming nearby. True enough, you can see from afar the mist of rain enveloping the MBS skyline and making its way towards us. I snapped this photo before running for shelter which was like 500 meters away.

For some reason, I love this picture.

I also love walking along the riverfront with the view of Marina Bay Sands, taking in the new world charm of this cosmopolitan city. In this part of Singapore, the traces of its old world is barely physically discernible. But just by sitting along the benches of the riverfront, watching people and life as it happens, you can breathe the spirit of old Singapore with the cool wind gushing by.

Credits:
Thanks to Ed Macias for the pictures. And for patiently bearing with us during the Photo Op.