Marina Barrage

 

Picture Taken from Here 

The latest dam in Singapore, it attracted large groups of Singaporeans and foreigners at its initial launch. Touted as a "beauty spot" with the beautiful skyline of Singapore right in front, you have to agree (look at my fierce shihtzu staring at you) by the number of persons proudly professionally holding their DSLRs and diligently clicking away.

Okay, we all know the government is not stupid enough to create one area purely to see the buildings downtown. According to the government website (PUB), the barrage serves 3 significant purposes:

1. Water Supply (as Singapore's 15th reservoir)
2. Flood Control (flooding amongst areas like Chinatown during the rainy season etc)
3. Lifestyle Attraction (yes!)

Good to go gahmen!! You managed to make a boring dam so damn interesting that it has become a tourist attraction.

With the lightly salted sea breeze and the great scenary surrounding you, i am not surprised if someone set up a table with a checkered tablecloth and started having a glass of Domaine Romanée-Conti with his/her loved ones. 

Even when night falls and the sky turns into shades of red and blue, the area still exudes a certain relaxed and romantic streak. Awwwww...... 

Anyway, besides the impressive view of the skyline (so long the haze stays away), the barrage has a gallery educating the public on Singapore’s efforts towards environmental sustainability.

Personally, i found it be very informative, very interesting; almost like  Singapore Discovery Centre (albeit a smaller one). It is also a great area to hide from the hot weather (aircon - the greatest invention)!! 

There are also water structures you can cool yourself with! Be prepared to jostle with the screaming, innocent and happy kids. 

 

 This little girl so cute! She even posed for me.

On a final note, the marina barrage is a favourite with

• families (the amount of kids power in the gallery can be rather disturbing),
• friends (picnicking at the grass patch at the top floor) and
• couples (yes, Elijah. I saw how you almost sucked out the breath from Caly). 

At times, you can even see people flying kites! During the Singapore's Grand Prix (some time around September every year), you can also hear the tyres screeching plus seeing the signifcantly air pollution emerging across the pool of water. 

Opps sorry, you can hear but you can never see the race track. 

Us goofing around (yes, the youngest is quarter a century old)

For more information on Marina Barrage, its opening hours and how to get there, please visit PUB.