Marina Bay-CBD
- Introducing the Downtown Core
- Marina Bay
- Marina Center
- Other Amenities & Recreational Facilities in the Vicinity:
Downtown Core (Click for map)
The Downtown Core is the major commercial area of Singapore, also known as the economic backbone of the country. It covers 266 hectares and is located at the south of Singapore. There are several important buildings and landmarks like the Parliament House, the Supreme Court and City Hall as well as numerous commercial buildings and skyscrapers. The central business district (CBD), Marina Centre and Marina Bay are within Downtown Core too.
But did you know that before the 1960s, Marina Centre and Marina Bay were virtually non-existent on the Singapore map?
They were in fact created by land reclamation to form a body of sheltered waters from the open sea. Telok Ayer Basin was then removed from the map, while the Singapore River's mouth was made to flow into the bay instead of the sea. A barrage has since been constructed to make Marina Bay a reservoir for drinking water.
As a small island, land reclamation is a good way to meet the rising demand for more land as the population increases.
Marina Bay is made up of 360 hectares of prime land that extends seamlessly from the existing CBD at Raffles Place Shenton Way and Marina Centre. It is the core of Singapore’s urban transformation into a major business and financial hub.
Marina Bay has been designed with people in mind. Round-the-clock action and activities include the highly anticipated Integrated Resort (a destination attraction offering world-class hotel, convention, leisure and entertainment facilities like the casino) as well as other residential and commercial developments.
Marina Bay
1. Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort (under construction)
Avant-grade in its architectural design, the Marina Bay Sands will be the future go-to place for business and leisure. Its sprawling exhibition and meeting space complements the world-class entertainment offered by two theatres, an ArtScience museum, luxury retail outlets, unique venues such as floating pavilions, and Singapore’s first-ever casino.
Aiming to open in 2009, Marina Bay Sands features:
• Three cascading 50-storey hotel towers with sky park
• An iconic Arts and Science Museum
• One million sq ft of an integrated waterside promenade and shopping arcade featuring cutting-edge labels, international luxury brands and trendy restaurants
• One million sq ft of convention centre featuring state-of-the-art technology and highly-flexible exhibition halls
• World-class entertainment in two grand theatres
• Las Vegas-style casino
2. Marina Bay Financial Centre (under construction)
The Marina Bay Financial Centre offers a perfect mix of business and relaxation. Despite being the financial hub of the new district, it has two residential towers making up one million sq ft of luxurious apartments and 80,000 sq ft of retail outlets. Three strategically-located office towers offering prime office space take up close to three million sq ft. The Marina Bay Financial Centre will definitely be the beacon for Singapore’s rise in the corporate world map. More
3. (Collyer Quay) Clifford Pier
The iconic maritime landmark will be revived through conservation efforts. Even though it will no longer be used for its original purposes, it will be given a new and improved art deco look. The historic waterfront will be transformed into a vibrant and bustling spot with a huge array of retail outlets and restaurants. There will even be designer hotels and other recreational attractions to look out for.
4. Gardens by the Bay (under construction)
Imagine what you can do with land the size of 177 football fields (101 hectares). Very soon, Marina Bay will be home to three waterfront gardens of that magnitude located around the Marina Channel.
Marina South garden, the biggest at 54 hectares, will include a mini lake with giant tree-like structures all around for orchids and ferns. There are also shell-shaped cool conservatories that display flora and fauna from more temperate climates. The 30-hectare Marina East garden will feature lotus ponds, a nature education centre, and eateries aptly situated among herb and vegetable gardens.
Nearby office workers and visitors can take a relaxing stroll through the gardens anytime with bridges and walkways connecting all of them together. It is also a great place for families to get in touch with nature and spend some quality time together. More
5. Marina Barrage
Marina Barrage recently opened its doors to public in October 2008, earning itself the accolade of being the first Singapore reservoir in the city. It is also the largest catchment area in the country, measuring 10,000 hectares. But it is not just to provide water supply, it also doubles up as an entertainment spot.
The public can indulge in a myriad of recreational activities like boating, windsurfing, kayaking and dragonboating. Families also have an alternative hangout for bonding sessions. They can enjoy a picnic and appreciate the spectacular city skyline, all while surrounded by calm waters. More
6. Singapore Flyer – The world’s largest observation wheel
Sitting on a three-storey terminal building, the 165-metre tall observation wheel offers breathtaking and unobstructed radial views of up to 45 kilometres. Visitors get an aerial view of Singapore, and even parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
There are 28 air-conditioned capsules and each capsule can carry up to 28 passengers. Each ride takes approximately 30 minutes, in which you can spot iconic and historical landmarks throughout the Marina Bay area.
But that is not all. The terminal building is home to many retail shops and an atrium with lush Asian rainforest and water features. Restaurants are situated facing the waters, providing people with alfresco dining options. There is also an outdoor Greek Theatre available for live performances. More
7. Bayfront Bridge & Promenade (under construction)
Just for avid walkers and pedestrians, a 280-metre bridge was built to link Marina Bay with Marina Centre where the existing hotel, retail and convention hub is. The bridge also completes the walking route encircling the bay, making this entire 11.7 kilometre route a great way for people to enjoy the scenery and even exercise.
Major attractions and new developments are accessible via this sheltered pedestrian promenade. You can pick out your favourite spot during festive celebrations and enjoy amazing firework displays too.
8. Marina Bay Golf Course
Marine Bay is home to another first—Marina Bay Golf Course. It is Singapore’s first and only 18-hole golf course open to public. It has been very popular since it was launched in 2006 as its centralised location at the heart of town offers interested golfers superb convenience and accessibility.
With very few water hazards and 91 pot bunkers, the golf course is sure to excite and challenge both novice and experienced golfers. The par 72 championship course is also specially designed for people to connect with golf history. More
Marina Centre
There are two mega malls within reach—Marina Square and Suntec City. Be it to stock up on daily necessities and groceries, or to deck yourself in fine designer wear, Marina Centre is the place to go. You will be spoilt for choice with many of the world’s exclusive retailer brands anchoring within these two shopping havens. Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus are just some of the renowned stores descending on our shores.
1. Suntec City
Suntec City consists of three sections—five office towers, a world-class convention centre and Suntec City Mall. With ample food, fun and shopping for people of all ages, it has become a one-stop shop for any individual’s diverse needs. Many buses service the road by the mall and it is also just a 10-minute walk away from City Hall MRT station. Free shuttle buses are available from the MRT station to Suntec City and back too.
Suntec City boasts of another famous attraction. Supported by four 13.8-metre high bronze legs and spread over an area of 1683.07 sqm, the Fountain of Wealth has been accorded the status of “World’s Largest Man-Made Fountain” in the 1998 edition of the Guinness Book of Records. Believed to bestow good luck to people who walked round the center of the fountain three times, it is one of Singapore’s most visited tourist destination. More
2. Marina Square
Having undergone a makeover and an expansion not long ago, Marina Square offers even more options for the foodies and the shopaholics. Located directly opposite Esplanade, this strategically-located mall is where you can relax, eat, shop and play, all under one roof. You can find top fashion boutiques, everyday wear and sportswear outlets, and an international array of food choices.
Also anchored by Golden Village, a reputable cinema chain in the region, Marina Square offers the right choices of entertainment for you and your family. There is even a bowling centre and pool parlour for the young at heart to enjoy. But for those who want some peace and quiet, there are options like relaxing spa sessions, foot massages or manicures to choose from too. More
3. Millenia Walk
Located just opposite Suntec Convention Centre, Millenia Walk is a mall where there are many lifestyle shops that specialized in a wide range of artistic products and services. The wide and spacious interior allows productions, exhibitions, performances and other events to be hosted. This open atrium structure is designed by Pritzker Award winning architect Phillip Johnson.
The best flagship stores can be found in Millenia Walk due to its strategic location. Harvey Norman, a specialist in electrical & electronics, IT, furniture and bedding is located in Millenia Walk. Another flagship store will be Cortina Watch Espace Boutique which is also Asia’s largest watch gallery. More
Other Amenities and Recreational Facilities in the Vicinity:
1. Malls:
Besides the mega malls at Marina Center, there are two more malls that are worth mentioning—Citylink Mall and Raffles City Shopping Centre—which are located by the City Hall MRT station.
Citylink Mall
Co-designed by world- renowned Kohn Pederson Fox and LPT Architects, CityLink Mall links City Hall MRT station to developments such as Suntec City, Marina Square and Esplanade. This mall has 60,000 sq ft of retail space in an air-conditioned subterranean area. More
Raffles City Shopping Centre
CapitaLand, a renowned property developer in the region, created a huge success with two “Raffles City” integrated developments—one in Singapore and another in Shanghai, China. Meant to act as urban icons within modern and global cities, each Raffles City integrated development delivers top notch facilities that complement the buildings’ classy design and architecture. They have also received international recognition for their excellence.
The Raffles City Shopping Centre in Singapore underwent a S$63 million revamp to improve and expand on its fashion and dining offerings. The basement grew by an additional 116,174 sq ft which was mostly home to several new food outlets.
The positive response garnered so far has prompted CEO of CapitaLand, Mr. Liew Mun Leong, to grow more than 10 similar Raffles City developments in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Presently new Raffles City integrated developments are underway in Bahrain, Beijing, Chengdu and Hangzhou. More
2. Arts and Entertainment:
The selection of museums, art galleries and theatres, and the country’s signature arts hub, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay make Marina Bay and its surroundings a truly perfect location for culture lovers.
• Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
Just across the Bay, the stunning Esplanade regularly hosts internationally-acclaimed artists and world-class performances at two main venues—the 1,600-seat Concert Hall and the 2,000-seat theatre.
It also houses a 9,800 sq metre Esplanade Mall which consists of cosmopolitan food outlets and a Library@Esplanade, Singapore’s first performing arts library. Outdoor performances and lunchtime concerts at the open-air theatre offer casual and light-hearted entertainment.
The National Art Gallery is a new addition to the local arts scene. This institution will encourage and boost Singapore’s growth towards becoming a regional and even international visual arts hub. Its primary focus will be on the display, promotion and studies of Southeast Asian art. But at the same time, it will showcase works and masterpieces from around the world.
• The Central Promontory
Where can you find museum, art gallery, science centre, planetarium, aquarium, convention halls, retail outlets, and restaurants under one roof? Soon, Singaporeans will have a new hangout at an ideal location to enjoy all these things. Also a signature waterfront development property, The Central Promontory is sure to delight just about anyone who wants to have fun.
As the first museum in the region to bring pan-Asian cultures and civilizatioTTns together, the Asian Civilisations Museum to date showcases up to 5,000 years of Asian history. Overlooking the Singapore River, this 15,000 sq metre landmark hosts 11 thematic galleries and exhibitions every year. And visitors can marvel at more than 1,600 artefacts on display, not just immersing in the culture but also educating themselves on the past.
Esplanade National Art Gallery Asian Civilisations Museum
3. Parks:
Besides the upcoming mega gardens, Gardens by the Bay, there are two existing parks worth mentioning. Historical monuments that have a symbolic significance were erected in those parks.
Esplanade Park
Facing the Singapore River, Esplanade Park is one of the oldest parks in Singapore. Built since 1943, there are many historical landmarks throughout the park. This includes the Lim Bo Seng Memorial, Cenotaph and the Tan Kim Seng Fountain. The park was later redeveloped in 1991 to enhance the Civic District’s identity. It forms an impressive facade for the Padang and City Hall. More
Merlion Park
The Merlion Park is home to Singapore’s icon—the Merlion. It is basically a lion’s head attached to a fish body resting on a crest of waves. It was originally designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourism Board in 1964 but it proved so well-liked that it became the country’s symbol known to the rest of the world.
But before the Merlion was moved to its current location adjacent to One Fullerton, it was located at the mouth of Singapore River. It was officially installed on 15 September 1972 by Mr Lee Kuan Yew. This icon still attracts many people today, with more than one million visitors a year.
4. Clubs:
Some of the oldest clubs in Singapore can be found here:
Singapore Recreation Club
The Singapore Recreation Club was established in 1883 by a group of 30 Eurasians. The current location occupies 20,000 sq metre of land at the Padang, right next to the City Hall MRT station. The club offers both sporting and social facilities, and also has food and beverage outlets. More
Singapore Cricket Club
Singapore Cricket Club, located at the heart of the city’s civic centre along Connaught Drive and overlooking the Padang, was established in 1852. It has become a club that caters to the sporting and social needs of the local community. Besides cricket, the club’s proximity to the Padang makes it an even more popular location for games like rugby, hockey, soccer and even lawn bowling. Currently, the club has 13 sections for sports such as squash, tennis and golf. More
5. F&B Outlets:
In the very near future, Marina Bay will make Singapore the culinary hub of Asia Pacific. World-renowned chefs from the US, Australia, Italy and Japan will set up more than a dozen restaurants. There will also be six destination-styled eateries to showcase Singapore as a unique melting pot of cultures. Those who crave for local delicacies can always look to ever-reliable Lau Pa Sat, situated at the heart of the business district.
A famous gourmet paradise where you can enjoy a wide variety of local delights such as Satay, Laksa, Bah Kut Teh, fried carrot cake and many more. Some of the famous stalls include Etna Restaurant & Pizzeria, The Chicken Rice Company, Thunder Tea Rice, and Ross Hailam Nasi Ayam (Halal). It is conveniently located near the Raffles Place MRT station. More
2. Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade is not just another theatre in Singapore. Besides offering world-class performances and shows, it also houses several restaurants offering a range of Asian and Western cuisines. There are also cafes that aim to satisfy the sweet tooths and finally, last but not least, bars and clubs for you to wind down after a hard day of work. More
3. Chijmes
Once a catholic girls school, Chijmes has been conserved and transformed into today's retail and F&B outlet. It provides a unique dining experience with its historical settings. There are about 23 restaurants for one to choose from. More
4. One Fullerton
Locating right beside the Merlion Park, One Fullerton offers a memorable experience of dining with a scenic view of the Marin a Bary. At here, it offers The Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant and the spanish cuisine - The Tapas Tree.
5. Saint Julien
A widely-acclaimed French restaurant that serves traditional fare amidst classy and contemporary settings. Enjoy fine food while appreciating an amazing view of the bay where the Singapore River and the Straits of Malacca merge.
Location: 3 Fullerton Road, #02-02, The Fullerton Waterboat House
6. San Marco at The Lighthouse
A 50-seater fine-dining Italian restaurant located within a historical building, which is now The Fullerton Hotel. Fantastic views of the surroundings lend a touch of glamour and exclusivity to the dining experience.
Location: 1 Fullerton Square, 8th Floor, The Fullerton Hotel
6. Medical & Health Centres:
1. Vivien@Robinson.Practice
2. Drs. Tang & Associates
3. MHC Medical Centre (Marina Square)
4. Raffles Medical Group (Marina Square)
7. Public Transportation:
As the city center, the public transportation network is very extensive, making it easily accessible from virtually all corners of Singapore.
• City Hall and Raffles Place MRT stations are interchanges for both North-South Line and East-West Line. The upcoming Circle Line and Downtown Line will also serve this area.
• SBS Transit and SMRT bus services provide a comprehensive bus transport network to and from the city center.
