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Marina Bay Sands – The Iconic Lion City

I visited Singapore less than a year ago and frankly speaking, I was awed by this epitome of luxury and compelling attractions. If you are visiting Singapore, then it is hard to keep away from this man-made architectural marvel developed by Las Vegas Sands. Marina Bay Sands is a charmer amidst the Singaporean skyline. If you have an eye for luxury and opulence, you are in for a dream treat here. One visit is not enough to live through it all because Marina Bay boasts of unending list of attractions. Three cascading hotel towers, a lotus shaped museum, world class theaters, luxurious retail stores, rocking casino, and celebrity chef restaurants; all make it fancy and grand. The indoor skating rink was under construction when I had visited Singapore in November, 2014. Last but not the least, the MasterCard theaters are all about world-class entertainment.

I used Mass Rapid Transit- the most convenient way to reach Marina Bay Sands. We got down at Bayfront MRT Station and walked towards the Shoppes, the shopping center which is just next to the iconic towers. The first thing that caught my attention was the canal that runs through the mall. Similar to Gondola rides, these are known as Sampan rides which guests and shoppers are seen enjoying. Next, the shopaholic in me was enamored with the luxury labels and designer boutiques all around me. I could not resist noticing the dining options that offered sumptuous and tempting menus. And we also learnt about the presence of two most famous and finest restaurants of Asia – Tetsuya Wakuda and Wolfgang Puck, in the shopping center.

In the middle of the Lion city, the largest and plushest hotel of the town stands tall and shining. Marina Bay Sands, the integrated resort which boasts of three cascading hotel towers, is an iconic attraction of Singapore. The hotel houses 2,561 rooms to its name, a spectacular sky park (three time of a football field), landscaped beauty on the 57th floor, an enthralling observation deck, and much-talked about infinity pool that welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Marina Bay Sands, the unique luxurious treat at the hotel, comes for a high price here. The reviewers claim that what it stands for and does to you is worth every penny. Someday I would definitely want to pose for my own ‘selfie with splash’. This is just one of the many things that Marina Bay Sands rooftop swimming pool (Infinity edged pool) is world famous for. One cannot use the pool until you are a guest at the hotel, but visitors can make their way to the observation deck of the SkyPark after purchasing a ticket. In the night, it provides brilliant views of the whole bay around. Michelin starred KuDeTa and Sky on 57th are the dining options that woo the visitors on the top of the hotel.

After exploring the shopping mall, I walked to the open arena in order to enjoy a stroll around the bay. Right there is the facade of the lotus-like Art Science Museum. There is a lotus pond too just next to it. Before one can walk further, two floating pavilions are sure to grab your attention. I loved walking in the largest Louis Vuitton boutique. It was a memorable experience in itself. It has enough space for guests to sit leisurely and observe the Singaporean skyline. Once you decide to walk again, take the Double Helix Bridge to reach the Merlion Park and the financial district of Singapore. It’s a long walk but worth it. The following day, we came around to visit the Flower domes, Cloud Forest and the evening show of the Gardens by the Bay.

On the second visit, I also ensured that I did not miss the ‘Wonder Full Show’ that plays in front of the Event Plaza of the MBS after the sunset. It is one of the largest light and water shows in South East Asia. Its runs for free and is worth a watch. This year Singapore is celebrating 50 years of their independence, thereby making it great year to visit the country.

Happy Traveling!!

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