'Biyahe Ni Drew' explores Singapore's Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay
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Join Drew Arellano as he features the famous five-star hotel Marina Bay Sands and the eco-trip adventure at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.
There's no need to travel to Europe or America if you want to live the upscale life because everything you need can be found in the Lion City of Singapore.
Located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is a highly-developed country rich in culture and technology surpassing its neighbors, Malaysia and Indonesia.
In recent years, the country has the world's highest percentage of millionaires, with one out of every six households having at least $1 million in disposable wealth. This excludes property, businesses, and luxury goods, especially as property in Singapore is among the world's most expensive.
That's why for this edition of Biyahe ni Drew, host Drew Arellano got to experience the high life by visiting Singapore's five-star hotel Marina Bay Sands, and an eco-trip adventure at the Gardens by the Bay.
Marina Bay Sands
Opened in 2010, the Marina Bay Sands is billed as the world's most expensive standalone casino property at SGD 8 billion, including the land cost.
The resort includes 2,561 rooms, a 120,000 sq.m. convention-exhibit center, a 74,000 sq.m. shopping mall, a museum, a large theater, celebrity-chef restaurants, two floating pavilions, art-science exhibits, and the world's largest atrium casino with 500 slot tables and 1,600 slot machines.
If that's a mouthful, the complex is also topped by a 340-meter long Sands SkyPark observation deck and a 150m infinity swimming pool set on the cantilevered platform overlooking the city.
According to Drew, the cheapest room in the Marina Bay Sands cost about SGD 450 per night or roughly PhP 16,000.
If that's way beyond your budget, you can always experience the panoramic view from above at the Sands SkyPark observation deck. It is open from 9:30 am until 10 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, and until 11 pm on Fridays and weekends with ticket prices ranging from SGD 20 to SGD 26.
Gardens by the Bay
Another popular attraction in the Lion City is the Gardens by the Bay located just adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The 101-hectare park is considered to be part of the nation's plans to transform its “Garden City” into a “City in a Garden,” with the aim of improving the quality of life by enhancing the greenery and flora in the city. According to sources, Gardens by the Bay attracts more than 6 million tourists a year marking its 50 millionth tourist in 2018.
Gardens by the Bay is composed of three waterfront gardens namely, Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden.
The most popular of the three segments would have to be the Bay South Garden which houses many of its many attractions like the conservatory complex, the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest, and the Supertree Grove.
According to Drew, entering the premises is completely free but you will need to purchase a ticket if you plan to visit any special museums and attractions within the vicinity.
The Supertree Grove contains 18 tree-like structures that dominate the landscape and performs a multitude of functions such as planting, shading, and working as environmental engines for the gardens.
There is an elevated walkway called the OCBC Skyway that connects two Supertrees to enjoy a panoramic aerial view of the Gardens. This doesn't come for free as you need to pay SGD 8 or PhP 300 to enter the walkway.
At exactly 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm, tourists can enjoy a special Garden Rhapsody courtesy of the Supertree Grove as each structure comes to life with its accompanying light and music show. The performance changes every month depending on the theme.
Walking a little further, tourists can then stumble upon the largest greenhouse in the world called the Flower Dome. This 1.2-hectare greenhouse replicates a cool-dry Mediterranean climate and boasts a wide range of exotic floras and faunas from the Mediterranean and the other five continents.
Just closeby is Flower Dome's little sister the Cloud Forest which replicates the cool and moist conditions found in tropical mountain regions. The greenhouse features a 42-meter “Cloud Mountain” which is accessible by an elevator. Visitors will have to descend the mountain via a circular path where a 35-meter man-made waterfall provides them with refreshing cool air.
Aside from these popular attractions, the Gardens by the Bay also houses a Children's Garden, Horticultural-themed gardens, and a Bayfront Plaza which can serve as an indoor space for corporate gatherings and other events.
Can't get enough of Singapore? Catch this and more attractions from this episode of Biyahe ni Drew:
Things to avoid doing when in Singapore
Singapore for First Time Travelers: A no-fuss guide to exploring the “Lion City”
