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Marina Bay Sands Sky Park and Infinity Pool – Best Spot To See Singapore Skyline and More!
Ever since Marina Bay Sands opened in April 2010, we’ve wanted to visit the Marina Bay Sands Skypark to see the views of Singapore from the 57th floor observatory.
After splurging at Todai Buffet Restaurant at B2 of Marina Bay Sands, we finally received some complimentary tickets to the skypark (part of a promotion at MBS) and got to visit the sky park!
Entrance to Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Ticket Prices of Sands Skypark
Ticket Prices of Sands Skypark
The tickets cost $20 for adults, $14 for children aged 2-12 years old , $17 for senior citizens aged 65 years and above. There’s also guided tours held daily at a first come first served basis. Hence, it would be wise to buy the tickets early and sign up for the complimentary tours of the skypark. The tour would allow you to visit the infinity pool, otherwise you can only see the sky pool from a distance. The pool used to be open for visits to the public but guess the hotel guests didnt enjoy others walking pass and taking photos of them in pool…
There is actually an alternative way to enter the skypark. You can visit any of the skypark dining venues, namely Ku De Ta, Sky on 57 or The Chocolate Bar. For the same price of $20 bucks, you can also enjoy a beer (could be cheaper for soft drinks) and enjoy complimentary visit to the sky park. The entry area would be at the various restaurant counters – do visit the information counter for directions.
Time spent in queuing for skypark tickets
Miniature Model of Marina Bay Sands
After spending some time in the queue and seeing the miniature model of MBS, we got into the lift up to the 56th floor. The lift was rather fast and there wasnt much issue with pressure difference of the ear. As the lift opened at the 56th floor, there was a lift attendant to guide us towards the park so as to control the “human traffic” as there were others taking the lift down as well.
First Floor – Inside the Lift up to Sands Skypark
Lift Attendant at the 56th Floor
Views of Attractions and Singapore City Skyline around Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands Sky Park offers fantastic views of the city skyline as well as the attractions around MBS. Here are some views from the top of the Sands Skypark!
Marina Barrage – Our Favourite Picnic Spot
Gardens By the Bay – A Park in the City
Singapore Flyer – Day View
Singapore Flyer – Night View (Sponsors for a better camera anyone?)
Esplanade and Swissotel (Tallest Hotel in South East Asia)
The Float @ Marina Bay – Venue of the National Day Parade (NDP)
Singapore City Skyline Central Business District (CBD)
Boat Quay and Clarke Quay – Dining and Night Life
Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Art Science Museum – Currently showing Harry Potter and Andy Warhol
Avalon Louis Vuitton (LV) and the Board Walk – Great place to walk and see the Marina Bay
Helix Bridge linking MBS to the Floating Platform and Marina Square (More Shopping!)
HDB Flats (Singapore Subsidised Housing) in the distance
Construction of the New National Stadium – Sports Hub
Views of the Singapore City Skyline in the Day
Whats there At the Sands Sky Park
As mentioned, there are restaurants such as Ku De Ta and Sky on 57 at the skypark. There’s also a mini kiosk for food and drinks as well as a souvenir shop. You will also see this iconic mast at the front of the skypark.
Mast at the front of the Sands Sky Park
Souvenir Shop and Food Kiosk at the top of Sands Sky Park MBS
Night Views from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park
Singapore Skyline from MBS at Night
Another view of Singapore Skyline from MBS at Night
The new Marina Cruise Centre – Think that is Voyager of the Seas by Royal Caribbean Cruise
View of the Singapore City Skyline at Night
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you may see some fireworks from surrounding events as well!
Fireworks seen from Sands Sky Park
Another view of the Fire Works from MBS Sky Park
Magnificent Sunsets seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park
Each evening, there will be throngs of crowd gathering at the left side of the sky park (hope this doesnt cause any stability issues to the ship :p) to view the magnificent sunset. Here’s a progression of the sunset…
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 1
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 2
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 3
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 4
Hope you’ll find time and enjoy a visit to the Marina Bay Sands Sky Park! Do leave us your comments after your next visit!
We’ll leave you now if views of the city just after sunset! Enjoy!
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TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) : Best Buffet Restaurant in Singapore?
TODAI International and Seafood Buffet Restaurant at Marina Bay Sands has got to be the most extensive buffet we’ve ever been to! However, the extensive buffet also comes with a price. To see how expensive it is, check out its pricing below…(correct as of date of publish)
Price of TODAI International and Seafood Buffet
LUNCH
Monday ~ Friday
Adult: $42++ Child (below 1m 30cm): $22++
Sat., Sun. & Holiday, Holiday Eve
Adult: $58++ Child (below 1m 30cm): $26++
DINNER
Monday ~ Thursday
Adult: $54++ Child (below 1m 30cm): $26++
Fri., Sat., Sun. & Holiday, Holiday Eve
Adult: $58++ Child (below 1m 30cm): $26++
Location
#B2-01 The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave Singapore 018972
So if you visit on the weekends, it would cost about 70 bucks per person! However, is it really worth it to spend so much on a buffet?
Entrance to TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
The first thing we noticed as we entered the restaurant was that the entire restaurant was quite spacious with a nice setting and ambience.
Nice Ambience and Seating at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
After being seated, we glanced through the site map and decided to have a go at every section of the restaurant.
Map of TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
As you can see from the map, the choice is so varied with so many options to choose from! There’s Sushi, Seafood, Chinese, Noodles, Pizza, Pasta, Churrasco, Korean Food and Desserts! Next, we’ll go through each section and its recommended food!
Churrascaria aka Churrasco / Korean Food
Churrascaria section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
This was Tom’s favourite section! Also known as the meat lover’s section! We were glad that we have not visited the Brazilian Churrascaria before because a visit to TODAI also covers the Churrasco section where the barbecued meats were simply “ma ma mia!”.
Plate of Churrasco and Korean dish
There was beef, pork and wings. However the highlight for the Churrasco section was the BBQ pork! (See top left). The meat was tender and flavourful. Each slice came with a little bit of pork fat that really brought out its natural juicy flavour! It’s no surprise that we went for seconds (and thirds and fourths…). Also, give the jalapenos, onions and other garnishes a try. The flavours match the Churrasco and makes it less jalat (Singaporeans – pls comment below if you know how to explain jalat in English. Tks!)
Just beside the Churrasco section is the Korean Food section. We wanted to try the la chao nian gao (spicy rice cake – bottom right) that we so often see in Korean dramas. Well, it turned out not too amazing afterall. The cake was a little tough and we’ve not really used to the flavour. The fried noodle was not bad (well so is anything fried right?)
Seafood, Sushi and Sashimi!
Seafood section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Next we came to the highlight of the restaurant. The SEAFOOD SECTION! The seafood section boasts of snow crab, sashimi,sushi, fresh prawns, escargot and oysters! For us, the highlight was the escargot and oysters…
Seafood platter at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Plate of sushi with interesting names
It was quite interesting to try escargot for the first time. You would be thinking like “Why would you want to try garden snails?!”. On the contrary, the escargot was not slimy, it had a firm and fresh texture. Hey, come to think of it now, maybe it’s not escargot. (Any visitor to TODAI can verify that shelled creature?). It was quite easy to extract the entire meat out of the shell, just use a fork to poke part of it, with a gentle tug, it all comes out. The meat was succulent and fresh, try it and tell us what you think!
As with other restaurants, the prawns, sashimi and snow crabs were really fresh. The prawns were especially firm, from which you know its really fresh and the taste was sweet! As for the oysters, it was also excellent in the sense that it was the best we’ve tasted in Singapore so far (best ever was freshly shucked ones in Australia). The oysters here were also freshly shucked by the chef within the counter. You have to ask him for the oysters and he would give you only 2 at one time. Hence, we also came back for seconds and thirds…but just a word of caution, oysters are high in cholesterol…just stop at 20.
Chinese Foods
Chinese Foods Section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Variety of chinese food and at least 3 different ways of cooking duck meat
The Chinese fare was ok. You could taste that the ingredients were really fresh but from the chinese taste perspective it’s really just ok. Even the chilli crayfish was normal. The crayfish was fresh no doubt, but the sauce was just mediocre. Still, when the crayfish arrived, it would be gone in a matter of minutes! The server would be there to serve each customer just 2 piece with some sauce. So if you miss a batch, you would have to wait about 10 minutes for the next batch. Make sure you “lurk” around when you see the chefs about to serve (you can actually observe them cook through the glass panels)…
Popular Crayfish with snow crab at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Pizza, Pasta, Noodles and Fried Stuffs
Noodles section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Pizza and Calamari
Shrimp Cream Sauce with Spaghetti and Chicken Wings from Churrasco
Laksa without hum (cockles) from the noodles section
Well, there’s nothing much to shout about at this section except that the pizza was thin crust with an excellent taste (cold soba was also available). Otherwise, DO NOT TRY the spaghetti and laksa.
Desserts!
Dessert section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Last but not least, we have finally arrived at Kate’s favourite section, DESSERTS!
Yummy waffles with soft serve icecream, berry yohgurt, orange chococalate cake, banana chocolate and macarons!
The highlight at this section was the waffles. Its freshly made and when you pick up your waffle, you know that it just left the heater not too long ago. It’s fragrant, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and warm!! Goes really well with ice cream (though not the soft serve kind but not much of a choice here). The macarons had only 1 flavour, so do not be deceived by the different colours. The cakes were also not too bad. Hence, Kate thoroughly enjoyed this section!
In Conclusion…
We actually do recommend this place. Just that the price is a little steep. But you can be assured that the foods are of the freshest grade and the ambience, location and wide variety of food should be more than make up for the price!
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A Chorus Line @ Marina Bay Sands Theatre : Is it Worth to Catch it?
After all the advertising on TV, radio and the newspapers, Kate and I finally succumbed to consumerism and caught A Chorus Line @ Marina Bay …
20th World Orchid Conference (WOC) at Marina Bay Sands with Preview of Gardens by the Bay
Seriously, we did not know that the World Orchid Conference (WOC) was already into its 20th year but we were pleasantly surprised by the splendid showcase of orchids by various groups from all over the world…
20th World Orchid Conference (WOC)
At the entrance…
Tickets cost $15 for adults and $9 for senior citizens or students. There are also 10% discounts for ntuc, passion, safra (among the cards we can remember). The cost of this price also includes a preview of Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome (an air conditioned indoor display of plants and vegetation) scheduled to open in 6 months time in 2012.
There is also complimentary shuttle bus service from Marina Bay MRT to Gardens by the Bay to the Marina Bay Sands, Sands Expo and Convention Centre (looping in that order)
Before we start, perhaps we should learn more about orchids and its origin…
Close to the entrance are the VIP orchids such as this named after Nelson Mandela
and of course our national flower – The Vanda Miss Joaquim
The organisers have put in much effort to bring in different orchids and their hybrids from all over the world…
Unique orchids include…
There are also displays from different societies and countries from all over the world such as
There were also real pitcher plants…
a huge one at that…
as well as flower arrangements…
the winner…
There are also displays for competition at the schools and junior levels…
The standing categories…
Some walkabout videos at the 20th WOC (World Orchid Conference) at the Marina Bay Sands, Sands Expo and Convention Centre…
Walk about Part 1
Walk about Part 2
Walk about Part 3
Revolving Petronas Tower
Gardens by the Bay
Next we headed to the Gardens by the Bay via the free shuttle service. The tickets to the WOC included a complimentary preview to the Gardens by the Bay! The shuttle bus came at a high frequency (i.e. short waiting time) at least during our wait. We waited for only about 5 minutes eventhough the expected waiting time was about 10-15 mins.
As we entered, we were awed by the huge strange looking trees and cactus. The temperature was quite cold (around 23 degrees). The temperature and humidity is strictly controlled in here for these vegetation and plants to flourish…
The Flower Dome is about 45 metres high and spans 1.2 hectares. The most eye catching plant in the Flower Dome has got to be the Baobabs. The bulbous trunks (looking like a prenant tree) helps the tree to store water during dry seasons. They are also known as bottle trees.
Throughout the Flower Dome, there are other gardens such as the Succulent Garden (mostly cacti), the Australian Garden, the South American Garden, Mediterranean Garden as well as the Olive Grove so do take time to check them out as well!
We were directed by the staff to make a loop to the highest point in the Flower Dome, before heading downstairs where the exit was. The overall feel was as if you had entered an enchanted garden. It was amazing to see Singapore having such an attraction!
Here are some videos from within for our readers…
Preview of Gardens by the Bay Part 1
Preview of Gardens by the Bay Part 2
Preview of Gardens by the Bay Part 3
Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Helix Bridge
Before we left the Marina Bay area altogether, we took some shots at the Shoppes as well as the Helix Bridge overlooking the Marina Bay…Enjoy!
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
View of the Marina Bay from Helix Bridge Part 1
View of the Marina Bay from Helix Bridge Part 2 (The other end of the bridge)
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the 20th WOC as well as the Gardens by the Bay. The organisers have indeed put in alot of effort to make it all happen and here at 2bearbear.com we would like to congratulate them for a job well done!
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We hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the 20th WOC World Orchid Conference!
Singtel Formula One F1 Grand Prix Singapore Night Race Street Circuit with Performances by Rick Astley and Shakira
This weekend, Kate and I decided to attend the Singtel Formula One F1 Grand Prix Night Race Street Circuit Singapore (what a mouthful!). As mentioned during a previous post, we are not really fans of F1. However, the main attraction for us this time round was Rick Astley and Shakira! (With hits such as Together Forever, Never gonna give you up, Hips dont lie, Waka Waka)
However, in order to catch them in the Fan Zone (dedicated area in front of the stage at Padang), we had to arrive at 3pm (gates open at 3pm) to get the Fan tickets that allowed us to enter the Fan Zone. It was quite fun to see that as soon as the gate opened, there were many people running towards the Padang Stage to get the fan tickets. We estimated that it was about a 200 metres sprint. Many faltered along the way, at the escalators and at the stairs.
For future fan zone tickets, it is worthy to note that even after most have gotten their fan zone tickets, there were still extra. So it really was unnecessary to run….
The first place we headed to was the Esplanade to catch the Rick Astley concert! There was already a long queue when we re-entered at 5pm! We entered from gate 3 because it was easily accessible via the City Hall MRT station/interchange.
Along the way, we got to catch the Porsche race as well…
However, we were slightly late for the Rick Astley concert
See how crowded it was!
Hence we had to settle for a bird’s eye view and enjoy an unobstructed view of the city…
Are you able to spot the energetic dancer in this clip? Clue: He is in white…
Next we headed to glutton’s bay to quelch our hunger. The prices were actually jerked up for the F1, fried oyster can cost up to $12 and people actually ordered it!
Of course we had to rush our dinner to ensure that we had a good view at Shakira’s concert…thankfully, there was a extension right in the middle of the stage that allowed Shakira to get closer to the fans in the middle. This was where we caught an excellent view of her.
Halfway through the concert, an enthusiastic fan just mounted upon his friend and bashed their way closer to the stage! But we could see he was a fan, being able to sing all the songs in Spanish as well…
After the performance, we are convinced that she is actually a very good performer live…take a look at these clips…
Shakira Dancing to the beat of the drums
Shakira on the harmonica and performing “Gypsy”
Shakira also did perform Hips Dont Lie and Waka Waka after the encore chants from the fans. This was how the concert ended, with mini fire works and confetti…
After the concert, we hurried back to catch the qualifying…however we were only able to catch the Q3 and final lap by the time we were seated (it took quite a while before we could leave the concert area at Padang)…
It was another long wait to leave the Bay Grandstand. However, we did enjoy this year’s F1 Race. We think that with all the festivities (sourvenirs, tents for food and drinks as well as concerts), it makes Singtel Formula One Singapore an unique event and one that is really prominent on the F1 calendar.
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The Marina Barrage – Singapore’s most well kept secret
If you are not a local, chances are, you would not know about the Marina Barrage, one of Singapore’s most well kept secret.
However, with the increasing number of events being held at this latest lifestyle destination, it wont be long before this becomes an open secret.
NDP Theme Song 2009 Electrico – What do you see filmed on site at the Marina Barrage
In 2009 when Electrico performed the theme song for the National Day Parade, the marina barrage rose to fame. Forward to the last parts of the song and you will see stunning views of the Singapore City Landscape.
The Marina Barrage has a 3-fold function. Primarily, it is a water catchment area and helps to supplement Singapore’s water supply by cordoning off the marina bay area and converting it into a fresh water catchment area. In addition, the flood gates at the barrage helps to regulate the water levels within Singapore and helps to ease flooding conditions. Lastly, but most importantly, the Marina Barrage today, serves as a venue for families to gather and have fun together as it offers a venue for picnics, kite flying, water fun and water sports!
Bird’s eye view of the Marina Barrage
Well…for me and Kate, the Barrage holds a much deeper meaning. We have gone through anniversaries, dates at the Barrage and today we still very much enjoy just picnic and enjoy the views. Take a look at this view…
View of the Singapore Flyer from the Marina Barrage
Sometimes, it is just nice to lie down on the green pastures and enjoy the view of the clear blue sky….
A kite in the midst of the clear blue skies
The marina barrage has also accompanied us through countless sunsets…
Sun setting over the Marina Bay Sands
More Sunsets…
The Marina Barrage also accompanied us through earlier days, even before the completion of the Marina Bay Sands…
Marina Bay Sands without the sail at the top yet…
During one of our dates, we even encountered the helicopter fly-pass in preparation for the National Day Parade…
Close up of the National Flag Fly Pass
When all Singaporeans come together as one…
Of course, the reason why the Marina Barrage is a very well kept secret is because it offers the most fantastic view of the Singapore City Skyline!
At the Barrage, there is a cafe/pub with live music sometimes, a chinese restaurant as well as a souvenir shop. But most family nowadays head to the barrage for a time of gathering either flying a kite, having a picnic or having some water fun at the fountains…
But for Kate and I, the Marina Barrage will always be a well polished gem that both of us have discovered together…
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Formula One (F1) Grand Prix Night Race Singapore
Kate and I always enjoy things that are cheap and good (in hokkien : ai pi ai chee). So when the formula one (f1) grand prix night race came to Singapore, we were eager to be part of the event. This is also because there are only 2 of such f1 night races in the world and it is also one of the most spectacular street circuits on the f1 calendar. However, the F1 tickets were quite expensive (eventhough it includes F1 live which includes acts such as mariah carey, linkin park etc.) and we were not really that much of F1 fans. So, in order to be part of the grandprix, we decided to hunt around the race track to see where we would have free close up view of the event.
After some scouting, we realised that the marina square food court had a good view of the formula one race. Not only that, as the Singapore f1 leg was also a night race, it provided a stunning backdrop to the grandprix.
Whats more, we also had food from the food court as we enjoyed the f1 race! 🙂
Before the race started, there was a display of vintage cars that went around the track…
As night descended, we also had splendid view of the marina bay area
It is important to note that, whenever you are attending any formula one grand prix race, BRING EAR PLUGS! For those who are sitting right at the podium of the F1 races, it is strongly recommended to bring ear defenders. These will help to protect your ears from the deafening sounds from those high-performance formula one engines! Also, if you are considering these free spots around the track, do remember to turn up early to chope (book) those seats. Kate and I were there 2 hours before the race started to ensure we had “one of the best seats in the house”!
The race this year was very exciting as Lewis Hamilton who was starting at 2nd position, crashed out in the 35th lap due to an accident. Later during the race we find Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber battling hard to gain the top 3 spots from 8th,5th and 6th positions respectively.
As the race wore on, we saw 2 distinct groups pulling away, namely 1,2 and 3,4,5,6. So as we watched the race, the first 2 cars would pass by,silence, followed by 4 cars ,silence then the rest of the pack. In the end, it was Alonso who battled and fought at corners to stay on course to clinch the top spot from the 8th starting position. Great race, great determination!
Kate and I thoroughly enjoyed the race from our free spot at Marina Square. Later on, many fans also packed the place as this is now an open secret! Hence, for those of you F1 fanatics out there who missed out on those valuable f1 tickets, you might want to consider the newly renovated marina square food court for air-conditioned, bird’s eye view of portions of the track!
However, with F1 live as part of the package of the race, it is definitely worth it to buy those tickets, especially when the acts are one of your favourites. Enjoy the race!
For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Singapore right here!
The start of the race where the cars form up
The Formula One F1 Grand Prix Night Race Singapore Street Circuit
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Ducktours Amphibious Fun! – See Singapore on land and on water!
On one fine Saturday afternoon, as Kate and I were passing by the Ducktours booth in Suntec City, we thought to ourselves…”Hey, let’s be tourists for the day!”
So without much hesitation, we bought tickets ($33 per person) and waited to board our very first duck tour ride.
The Duck is actually a re-modelled WW2 Vietnamese amphibious craft.
The “Ducktainers” or tour guide would introduce us to the various structures as the Duck drove pass the landmarks. At the start of the tour was the fountain of wealth, right at the heart of Suntec City. Next, we headed towards the city hall area and viewed the Cenotaph, one of Singapore’s oldest war memorial. It was here where we entered the water…
We were soon in the basin of the Singapore River and we were able to see many of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks and structures such as the Merlion, Esplanade, Fullerton Hotel, Singapore Flyer, The World’s largest Floating Platform (where the National Day Parade is held), Tallest Hotel in Southeast Asia – Swissotel Singapore and the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort halfway built…
Singapore’s Tourism Icon – The Merlion
Overall, it was a nice refreshing tour. The “Ducktainers” were indeed entertaining and even “prepared” us as we entered the water (saying we’ll get wet and all, which we didnt). They were also armed with snippets of information which would be interesting for tourists.
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