Merlion, Esplanade & Marina Bay Sands

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Walk with ChaMike around Merlion Park, Esplanade & Marina Bay Sands.
The most iconic landmarks of Singapore can be seen along the waterfront of Singapore river- Merlion, Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands. These attractions are the most well-known in Singapore and can be visited just by walking around. Mike and I started the walk at around 5pm from Merlion Park then straight to Esplanade passed by Helix Bridge then ended it at  The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands where we had our dinner.

How to go to Merlion Park
Raffles Place MRT then follow the sign going to Merlion Park

Opening Hours
Open everyday

Entrance Fee
No entrance fee

After getting out of Raffles Place MRT we walked towards Merlion Park and saw a famous sweet treat along the street.

Singapore Ice Cream Sandwich
A red pushcart with a heart logo similar to our Selecta caught Mike and I's attention. It was Wall's ice cream trolley so Mike and I got really excited (we heard of the ice cream sandwich before, I wasn't able to try it the last time I was here) we immediately ordered 2 ice cream sandwiches after asking how much the price was. The S$2 (P70) ice cream has various flavors but because I wanted a regular flavored ice cream I ordered cookies and cream while Mike chose chocolate, they also have 2 types of sandwiches to choose from - either a slice of bread or thin wafers, both of us chose the latter.

Wall's Ice Cream Vendor

While the vendor was preparing our orders, another tourist approached him and asked how much the sandwich was. The vendor rudely answered "haven't you heard what I said?!" We both got stunned and I told Mike "Masungit si manong" (The vendor is grumpy). Suddenly the vendor asked us if we're Filipinos and we skeptically said yes (I suddenly thought maybe he's Pinoy and understood what I just said but refused the idea as he has a strong Singlish accent so he was definitely not Pinoy) then he swiftly shifted his mood and started opening up - he worked in the Philippines for a couple of years and loved the experience. He ended the talk by giving us our orders plus a durian candy as a treat then graciously said thank you. Wow! It is always a nice feeling bumping into a foreigner who appreciates our country. Thanks, Mr Vendor for the very kind gesture despite being grumpy to other costumers.

Me & my Singapore Ice Cream Sandwich

Going back to our ice cream wafer sandwiches- oh, it was indeed yummy! the silky texture and the sweet creamy flavor of the ice cream compliments really well with the wafer, a perfect snack on a hot day in SG.

This on a hot sunny day in Singapore

Cham's and Mike's

While finishing our ice creams we continued our walk toward the park and finally reached Merlion.

Merlion Park
As what the locals say, you've never really been to Singapore if you haven't visited the Merlion. Last time I was here, I was so 'lucky' that the Merlion was under renovation. So yes, I think I haven't entirely visited Singapore before so good thing that when we go there the Merlion stands there in its glorious figure spouting water in its mouth.

Merlion

The Merlion is Singapore's logo for tourism. It's a combination of head of a lion and body of a fish. The fish represents Singapore's origin as a fishing village or 'sea town' and the lion head portrays Singapore's original name, Singapura which means 'lion city'


Merlion with the famous SG buildings

From the Merlion Park you can see the majestic Marina Bay Sands, it is dubbed as the most spectacular hotel and casino in Singapore making it one of the most expensive hotels in the city. Mike & I planned on staying at least one night there but unfortunately the plan didn't push through. Mike assured me though that someday we will have our dream staycation in one of the rooms and lounge in the highest infinity pool in the world.

Marina Bay Sands

Because the Merlion Park is a known tourist attraction expect a heavy crowd scattered all over the place. It was a sure challenge taking photos.

People everywhere

Here are some decent ones...

My Merlion pose
Singapore Outfit
Wore a decent outfit for our dinner at Bread Street Kitchen. Off shoulder top and khaki pants did the trick.

 Hat | Soak Swimwear (@soakswimwear)
Sunnies | Georgina Sasha (@georginasasha)
Brown Slacks | Trunkshow Manila (@trunkshowmanila)
Open toes sandals with heels | Hue Manila (@huemanila)

Off shoulder top

Mike's Merlion pose
M is for Mike and Mine :p
Found this bougainvillea scattered around the park
This is the most decent shot ChaMike had
A different perspective
Merlion Jr, we met again (he's the only one present the last time I was here)

At daybreak Mike and I decided to resume our walking adventure going to Marina Bay Sands by passing through Esplanade.

Colorful skyscrapper
Esplanade Theatre
Another waterfront attraction is the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay. A performing arts centre showcasing various shows from music and dance to theatre. The unique 'Durian' shaped theatre has become a giant cultural landmark in Singapore. I visited Esplanade last time I was here so Mike and I just passed by it. You can check out schedule of shows at www.esplanade.com, they offer free programs regularly at various locations around Esplanade too.


Esplanade

How to go directly to Esplanade
City Hall MRT (Red Line or Green line)
Esplanade MRT (Circle Line)

half  of the 2 durian shaped theatre

Marina Bay Street Circuit
As we walked further we passed by Marina Bay Street Circuit. We were here just weeks ahead of the scheduled Singapore Grand Prix event but still when Mike saw the paddock his face totally lit up, he was in awe. Too bad the area was so dark that I had to take numerous shots just to make one clear photo of him.

Marina Bay Street Circuit
Helix Bridge
A pedestrian bridge that connects you from Marina Centre to Marina South in Marina Bay area. This DNA-like bridge is illuminated at night by a series of lights hence the reason why I wanted to walk here during night time, it gives its visitors a visual experience while strolling.

Helix Bridge going to MBS
Almost there

The bridge also has 4 viewing platforms strategically located at areas that offer beautiful views of Singapore's cityscape.
One of the 4 viewing platforms

So I never thought it would be a long walk. First time to walk on heels! 

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
The endpoint of the bridge is The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. The Shoppes is a luxury shopping mall that house all high-end brands and restaurants.



We ended our walk by having dinner at a popular celebrity chef restaurant, Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay. You can also opt to have dinner at DC Superheroes Cafe if you're coming from Helix Bridge as its just one floor lower.

DC Super Heroes Cafe

We went back to our hotel via Bayfront MRT (yellow line) located at the ground floor of the mall. It stops directly at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station.

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3 comments

  1. NadJuly 26, 2018 at 5:57 AM

    wow..i’ve been to SG too, and i want to go back..its really a nice country, clean, good governance, people are nice but hate to say few lacks personal hygiene…ewww

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ngoc NguyenApril 15, 2020 at 11:14 PM

    Interesting writing!
    How do you think about app design singapore ?

    ReplyDelete

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