VAN.

Initially, i wanted to do on Kampong Glam due to its rich heritage and me being inclined to it as i often go Kampong Glam during my leisure time due to the wonderful art and preservation of shop houses and also for the cafes and also for my love for Malay culture as i view it as elegant which lead to my very First post.

However, i also realised that its not the 1st place i want to go when i'm in Singapore IF i am a tourist. 

For many years, the Merlion has been the icon of Singapore till Esplanade was up in 2002 winning many design and architecture awards and subsequently many other icons that represent Singapore as of today. Need i say more that, many of this Singapore icons or symbols is mostly located at Marina Bay ? 

Hence, i decided to do on Marina Bay as to introduce more facts and background of our favorite places to go in Singapore and HOW to get there. It is known that people often eat things without knowing where it come from, it applies to where we visit and people around us too.

However, who knew back in the 90's that Singapore's first integrated resort would be so successful, who knew that theatre on the bay (Esplanade) would've won best architect awards or even foresee a garden in the city district.

Birds eye view from Ritz Carlton Hotel on 19 July 2000. Photo Source : Steven Lee CT/The Straight Times

Getting to my point, how many people actually remember what Marina Bay was like during the 90's? How much memories was made even without the development of current leisure activities we have as of today. I am thankful that i'm born in the 90's even if its a bit late but i was able to enjoy many activities that we don't see in Marina anymore and to witness the development of it.

Bird eyes view of CBD from Ritz Carlton Hotel on 17 May 2012. Photo Source: Alphonsus Chern/ The Straights Times

I was talking to my mother earlier on about how Marina was like before it was well develop as the only memory i could remember was my mum bringing me to Marina Square to buy sports equipment and sitting along the steps looking at the sea. Honestly, there wasn't much then but my mum mentioned that she would bring me and my brother to some water carnival jet game outside Marina Square which i can't remember. There was also 2 bowling alleys Superbowl and Victor's Bowl which my dad would go for his own leisure , it has disco and others. Another thing is that , people use to fly kites at Marina South before it was forced to close down for construction of Marina Bay Sands. Families who fly kites at Marina South would usually head to BBQ steamboat buffet which cost $10-$15 . Chin Huat Live Seafood restaurant had to close too at 2008 for the redevelopment of Marina South. Fun fact, there was a 24hour Arcade back at Marina South too !

Photo Source: iRememberSG's page on Facebook

Our current Marina Bay is a life of modern luxury, representing all things modern and stylish from trendy dining destination to exciting leisure spots. Land reclaimed was definitely put into good use as it not just expanded the Central Business District ( CBD ) , it also put Singapore in a competitive advantage for its uniqueness. Furthermore, it does not just serve the purpose of attracting tourist to Singapore, it also caters to the local community. The environment encourages live, work and play.
It build many seamless links for pedestrians to walk in ease and comfort above or underground. This includes the shady sidewalk, covered walkways and underground and second-story links to protect visitors from the harsh weathers. Not just that Marina Bay is connected with Helix Bridge, Mist walks and breeze shelters encouraging people to live healthy lifestyles by walking/jogging around Marina Bay and enjoy beautiful skyline at the same time. Many running events were held at Marina Bay like Great Eastern's Women's Run , Garfield Run, Pocari Sweat Run and others.



Lastly, Marina Bay have become a great success largely due to it catering to many markets from locals to foreigners and investor as its a place for people from all walks of life to explore, exchange and entertain.



Do you think that the closing of people's favorite pastime for the development of Marina Bay was worth it ? I'll say yes for all the wonderful attractions that was develop over the years.
This will lead on to my next post on my field trip to Marina Bay ! The wonderful attraction to visit when you're there and amazing photos you get to take when you're there !
So, stay tune !