Marina Bay Sands; Sands SkyPark, The Shoppes

[Bryan84]

Newbie in photographing here. This is my first time posting photos here. Hope I have followed the guidelines correct. So here goes ... abstracted from my blog entry...

A new epicentre of leisure, entertainment and business in the heart of Asia – Marina Bay Sands. There is nothing quite like it in the world and Singapore is first to have an Integrated Resort. Pulsating with life day and night, Marina Bay Sands offers a host of sensational entertainment options. This masterpiece of design is home to three luxury hotel towers, the magnificent Sands SkyPark, top designer boutiques, gourmet dining, contemporary theatres, the picturesque waterfront event plaza and versatile expo and convention facilities. This is also where you find the region’s first world-class casino.

The Sands SkyPark has been opened since 26 June 2010. It was a place I wanted to be at – top of the world (or Singapore), literally. Although I had acrophobia, it did not stop me from wanting to get the best view possible. Thankfully the fear of heights did not bother me much when I reached the 56th floor. The moment I stepped out of the lift and saw the stunning aerial view, I was busy snapping away on my camera. The SkyPark offers almost a dozen of viewpoints where you can take photos. Unfortunately photographers are not allowed to setup any tripod once up there. They fear that the equipment may be blown away. The wind was quite alright because of the design of the glass panels. Unfortunately I know my time up there was limited (as that the ticket has time limit period but because the sky was turning dark). So I took as many photos as I could without reviewing them on the spot. Here are some photos.

Indeed about half-an-hour later, the rain started to pour down. I was given two options by the hotel. I can either re-entry at a later time on the same day or I can do a full refund. Of course I did a full refund! I was quite heart pain to pay $20 just to go up to take photos. Besides, the other part of the SkyPark that consists of the swimming pool and park, were out of bounds for public. Only hotel guests were allowed there. Hence, I was disappointed to not take better photos of what the SkyPark actually has. But now that is a “Free” experience, it was not too bad after all.

I continued to roam around in Marina Bay Sands. Walked from tower to tower and eventually into the shopping place – The Shoppes. I was not allowed to photograph anything near the casino area. But at least I got a glimpse of how it looks like inside because it was quite viewable from the outside – unlike the other casino in Sentosa Resort World. The Shoppes is a very high-end shopping mall. With branded names like Alfred Dunhill, Armani Exchange, CHANEL, FENDI, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and many more. A plate of chicken rice cost at least $5. Time for more photos.

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[Bryan84]

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If you are interested to have a little “boat” ride, The Shoppes offer a ride on a sampan for a cost. I am not sure about the pricing but I think is about $5-$10 per person. Before going there, I read about it and thought it was going to be quite nice. However when I saw the distance that the boat actually travels to-and-fro, I felt it was kind of waste of money. The distance was no more than 100m at very slow pace. And being on the sampan, you are being a subject for photographers (like myself) to photograph only! Anyway thanks to these people willing to pay then I can take a photo like this.

My overall experience was not bad. Although there was really nothing much to photograph. $20 for the SkyPark view, probably you will just want to go up there once. For me, I will not pay $20 to go up there again. Unless if the hotel decides to open the other part of the SkyPark for public, which I think is unlikely. Or maybe one day I will be a hotel guest!

All photos are taken with Canon 550D with 18-55mm and 11-16mm lens. You can view the photos with captions here.

Thanks for reading!!!