Singapore, Southeast Asia's economic powerhouse, has been the region’s most modern city for over a century.
The city blends Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English cultures and religions. Its unique ethnic tapestry affords visitors a wide array of sightseeing and culinary opportunities from which to choose - luxury hotels, world-class cuisine, entertainment and shopping abound!
For the discerning traveller looking for a taste of the best Singapore has to offer, a visit to the world renowned Marina Bay Sands resort is a must. The unique architectural skyline created by the Marina Bay Sands Hotel is unmistakable with its three 55-storey hotel towers connected at the top by a 2.5 acre SkyPark.
Designed by Moshe Safdie the complex integrates a waterfront promenade, a multi-level retail arcade, and the iconic Museum of ArtScience on the promontory.
Located along the network of public paths are two theatres, a casino, an enormous convention and exhibition centre, and a hydraulically adjustable public event piazza. The SkyPark which accommodates a public observatory, gardens, a swimming pool, restaurants, and jogging paths, offers visitors sweeping panoramic views of Singapore.
“Located in the Central South district, Marina Bay was artificially created through land development in the 1970s. Today, the area is known commercially for its hotels, offices, entertainment and shopping centres. Singapore’s first F1 race was held in the scenic backdrop by the Bay in 2008,” says Thamanoon Kuprasert, general manager of Central, Eastern and Southern Africa for Thai Airways International. “The Marina Bay Sands is now considered the Crowning Jewel of the Marina Bay district and visitors flock to the resort to take advantage of its diverse world-class offering and experience the wonder of its architectural design.”
Kuprasert says the venue of choice for most Marina Bay Sands visitors is undoubtedly its impressive SkyPark. “The three-acre SkyPark was created by bridging the tops of all three towers and is astonishingly suspended 656 feet in the air, incorporating one of the largest public cantilevers in the world.
The views from the Sands SkyPark cannot be replicated anywhere else in Singapore and it provides the ultimate backdrop to viewing the spectacular fireworks display on New Year’s Eve or a Formula 1 night race. Visitors can also indulge at one of the fine-dining restaurants and bars or unwind around one of the three rooftop infinity pools,” he comments.
Another popular venue within the Sands complex is the Artscience Museum, a living, breathing embodiment of the ArtScience theme. With a form reminiscent of the lotus flower, the ArtScience Museum has been referred to as ‘The Welcoming Hand of Singapore’.
It features 10 fingers or petals each revealing different gallery spaces with skylights at the tips that illuminate the dramatically curved interior walls. “Its dish-like roof channels rainwater through the central atrium of the building creating a 35-metre water drop into a small refraction pool. The rainwater is then recycled for use in the building’s restrooms,” adds Kuprasert.
The museum allows visitors to discover the wonder of major international touring exhibitions from the most renowned collections around the world, and also offers access to a range of activities and workshops. Its permanent exhibition, Artscience: A Journey Through Creativity, showcases the power of creativity and it takes visitors on a journey inside the creative process across three unique spaces: Curiosity, Inspiration and Expression.
For visiting families, the Marina Sands complex will entertain and delight children of all ages. “Wonder Full, Southeast Asia’s largest light and water show provides a great family activity as does a trip to the Marina Bay Sands Skating Rink. Kids also love visiting the Social Pavilion where they can participate in their own virtual photo shoot,” adds Kuprasert.
The images capture visitors in front of backgrounds of iconic areas at Marina Bay Sands and are posted onto the Marina Bay Sands Facebook page and sent directly to the visitor’s email address.
Families can also take a Sampan ride along the canal at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Here they can sit back and relax and enjoy the sensation of being gently paddled by hand in a beautifully-crafted Chinese wooden boat. “The numerous theatres within the Sands complex run a number of international must-see family shows.
For added entertainment, children can pay a visit to Jumperzillas, an exciting multi-level indoor playground. This also allows parents a bit of relaxation time and they can surf the net or enjoy a complimentary coffee,” concludes Kuprasert.
Thai Airways travellers can take advantage of the Thailand & Asia Pacific Delight Promotion and purchase an air ticket to Thailand and Asia Pacific destinations such as Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, China, Indo-China, Australia & New Zealand until March 31, 2013. For more information, visit www.thaiair.co.za or phone (011) 268 2580.