Source: Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is located at the reclaimed land of Marina South, right across the water of another Singapore landmark Fullerton Hotel. In addition to the casino, other key components of the plan are three hotel towers, a 200,000-square arts and sciences museum and a convention centre capable of accommodating more than 50000 visitors.
The resort, resembling a giant surfboard perched on three columns at the mouth of the Singapore River, was officially opened for business by SANDS CEO Sheldon Adelson on 23 Jun 2010 amidst much fanfare and again the full opening on Feb 2011 with the opening of the ArtSceince Museum. It will also have a link to Singapore’s subway system by 2012.
Sands SkyPark
The SkyPark, an architectural spectacle which costs S$150 million to build, offers a breathtaking panoramic city-sea vista from a public observation deck. At a dizzying height of 200m above ground, you can be sure of that top of the world feeling at this latest attraction to hit town. Take in breathtaking views that were once only afforded to birds and helicopter pilots. There is a swimming pool, the highest in the country, you can even go right up to the edge, which gives the effect that you could simply step off the ‘Surfboard’ and into the sea.
Four food and beverage venues, such as The Sky On 57 restaurant run by celebrity chef Justin Quek, Marina Bay Club and a restaurant-bar, are expected to be ready by the third quarter of 2011.
Tickets: $20 for adults, $14 for children (aged 2 to 12 years) and $17 for senior citizens (aged 55 years and above) from the box office located at Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 31. The public observation deck opens daily from 10am to 10pm. More information available here.
The ArtSceince Museum
Officially opened on Feb 2011. Archaeological finds from the 9th-century Tang Dynasty, hundreds of rare treasures previously never seen outside Mongolia will be on show at Singapore’s latest iconic structure.
It is opened daily from 10am to 10pm, including weekends and public holidays.
Admission charges: The fees have been reduced effective 30 Jul 11. The new charges as follows:
For special exhibitions, admission charges may vary.
| One exhibition | Two exhibitions | All-access Pass | ||||
| Standard full price tickets | Singapore residents price | Standard full price tickets | Singapore residents price | Standard full price tickets | Singapore residents price | |
| Adult | $15.00 | $13.00 | $24.00 | $20.00 | $28.00 | $24.00 |
| Senior (65 years and above) |
$14.00 | $12.00 | $21.00 | $18.00 | $27.00 | $23.00 |
| Child (2 – 12 years) |
$9.00 | $8.00 | $14.00 | $13.00 | $16.00 | $14.00 |
More information available here.
The Development Frenzy
Source: Las Vegas Sands Corp. via European Pressphoto Agency
Marina Bay Sands opened its first phase On April 27, 2010 with 963 out of 2,560 hotel rooms, a portion of its shopping mall, restaurants and the Sands Expo and Convention Center, celebrity chef restaurants, the event plaza and the casino. The rest of the hotel rooms and suites, the Sands SkyPark and additional shops will be available as part of the Grand Opening on June 23. The museum, theaters and the remainder of the shops will open towards the end of the year.
The casino at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) sees an average of 25,000 visitors every day – a third being Singaporeans. This was revealed at the official opening of Singapore’s second integrated resort (IR) on Wednesday (23Jun10). Marina Bay Sands refused to disclose revenue figures, only to say it is on track to meet the projected revenue of over US$1 billion by 2012. 60-70 per cent of this is expected from the casino floors.
The youtube clip below will give you an idea of the scale and building frenzy that was going on at the MBS during the development phase:
How To Get There?
A variety of public transport options are available, thanks to a new network of roads and footpaths built in the still-evolving vicinity. Commuters can board buses that embark from starting points in Jurong East, Ang Mo Kio, Pioneer Road North, Pasir Ris and Bukit Batok, with the re-routing of 8 public bus services by operators SBS Transit and SMRT.
With the opening of the Circle Line, visitors can visit MBS directly via Bayfront station (DT16). Marina Bay Sands is also a short 10-minute walk from the Promenade MRT Station (near Millanium Walk) via The Helix Bridge, a pedestrian bridge which has a breathtaking and picturesque view of the CBD landscape.
View ASkMeLah Tourist Map in a larger map
Overseas guests arriving at Changi Airport can get onboard the Marina Bay Sands Airport Shuttle Bus that operates 24 hours a day. Marina Bay Sands has invested in a fleet of 15 new coaches to provide the dedicated airport shuttle service, offering over 40 trips per day. The service, which runs at 10-minute intervals during peak hours, is complimentary for guests who stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Malaysian guests can also hop on dedicated cross border coaches from across the Causeway to reach Marina Bay Sands. A number of coach companies, including the nation’s top five operators Super Nice Express, Compass Coaches, Luxury Tours and Travel, Gunung Raya, and First Coach, will provide Malaysians with an affordable, yet luxurious travel experience from 11 cities across the country. Over 130 trips are offered daily, with additional trips during festive seasons.
[LATEST] Premium Bus Service 757: The buses travelling between Orchard road and MBS are operated by Marina Bay Sands and have different charges for the two routes. Fees for adults start from S$4; whilst those for senior citizens and students are from S$2.50. Fees for children start from S$1.50. The service runs from 10 am to 8.40 pm daily, with a frequency range of 10 – 20 minutes. Click here for latest information.
- The official opening of MBS and ArtScience Museum
- 360° rooftop spectacle, The Straits Times
- 25,000 visit Marina Bay Sands casino daily, channelnewsasia.com
- Driving to MBS?, TodayOnline.com
Last Updated on Jan 2012
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