Marina Bay
Marina Bay is an artificial bay located close to the Central Area in the southern part of Singapore, and lies to the east of the downtown core.
The area has been designated as Singapore’s showpiece for the world, with the most recent addition the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, a world-class resort consisting of a hotel, casino, theatres, exhibition centres, museums and luxury shopping outlet, joining the existing entertainment and shopping destinations like Esplanade, where the Theatres on the Bay have hosted award-winning directors, actors and plays; Singapore’s event and expo destination, Suntec City; as well as hosting a big stretch of the night-time city race that is the Singapore Grand Prix F1.
Image courtesty of the Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Live: Ultra-modern, expensive and fantastically designed high-rise condominiums cater to executives where proximity to business district and the dining and entertainment options of the city. Condominiums include One Shenton, Marina Bay Residences, and The Sail @ Marina Bay, which provide a work-live environment in the heart of the city.
Eat: During the weekday there are numerous lun ch options from food courts to salad and sandwich places, all catering to the CBD office workers. Be aware though that many of these close in the evening and on weekends. The recently revamp ed Customs House, jutting out into the bay, has a number o f food and drink options, including modern-sushi parlour Kinki. Meanwhil e the cuisine of the ethnic enclaves of Chinatown and Littl e India are both within easy access on the MRT.
Drink: The nearby Clarke Quay may be a tourist trap but there are a host of slightly pricy drinking holes and late night bars and clubs there. A cheaper alternative is post-work drinkers’ favourite Five Izakaya, while the rooftop terrace bar at the recently opened Fullerton Bay Hotel, offers cocktails and amazing views over the bay.
Shop: This being Singapore, there are the usual malls and retail outlets. Although there are few individual boutiques, you can get pretty much what you want, be it retail goods or groceries.
Transport: There are currently five rail stations serving the North-South and Circle lines. By 2020, Marina Bay will be Singapore’s most rail-connected district. There are also a number of bus routes that serve the area. Taxis can be difficult to flag down in peak hours though.
Resident’s View
Two residents of Marina Bay, one former and one current, give their opinion on living there and its pros and cons
