Foreigners In Singapore - Second Day: Living The Life At The Sands

My wife and I woke up early and had a morning walk to their fitness ground.  We had some stretching and then tried their outdoor workout facilities.  How I wish we had one of these back home.  We then had a short stroll to their market, though it was full of wet goods and stuff, it didn't smell that bad.  Maybe because they were putting their waste in a right place and I saw how responsible they were in cleaning their own mess.  A salute to their government for strictly implementing fines and punishments for violations against their environment,  in the long run, the people made it as part of their way of life and became accustomed to it.  

When we returned to our place, we woke the children up to prepare them and packed some of our things as we are scheduled to spend the day at Marina Bay Sands... yippee.  Just how excited we were that day to finally be inside one of the most talked about hotel in the world.

Route 106 passes through MBS...

We took a bus going there.  By the way, Singapore buses use numbers or alpha-numerics in their routes instead of places names (see Wikipedia for the list).  There were also built-in scanners if one's using a transportation card (EZ-Link) and a vending machine for those who preferred to pay in cash.  Just pay with an exact amount since it does not give back your change.  Our ride was smooth and swift at the same time, since buses had a part of the road just for  them.

Also, they had an electronic road toll collection system that automatically charge toll fee to all passengers when a vehicle passes though their ERP gantry, really helped smoothen the traffic flow.  And one more thing, like the MRT's, their buses also have priority seats for those who needed it most like those with disabilities, pregnant, with little children and the elderly, and able and young persons really give their seats.

MBS underground mall

Upon arrival to MBS, the interiors were as astonishing as that of it's architectural design.  Singaporeans really aren't afraid to try designs that deviate with the norms.  The building alone, a ship-like platform suspended above three 57 storey building is simply breathtaking.  More, having artistic designs such as paintings, sculptures and ornaments from internationally renowned artists and the convenience of having its own mall, casino, theaters, MRT stop, pool, restaurants and other amenities is more that one can ask for... all you need to have is money (LOL).

We met a friend there, Manong Floro (one of the hotel's supervisors), who helped us with the accommodation.  He was responsible for getting us a great deal for our stay.  He also personally provided us the cards used for the elevators and our room.  So you need to have a card in doing transactions in the hotel, it's used in going up and down the lift, it's the key to your room, it is your pass in using their facilities like the pool and the SkyPark, etc.  We stayed at room 4905 (49th floor, 5th room... just guessing).  The room had a window which automatically opens upon entering the room.  The room was well furnished (carpeted, 2 flat screens and complete with basic amenities)  and of course had a great view of the Marina bay.  Just a piece of advice, don't remove or lift anything inside the ref, unless you're prepared to pay for it, it automatically adds to your bill.

Giant interiors... lanterns and tree vases.

My beloveds...

With the rest of the gang.

After a short chat and picture taking inside our room,  we immediately proceeded to their SkyPark... something we've always been dreaming of during the moment we stepped foot in Singapore.  And upon reaching the 57th floor of the building where it was located, it was simply breathtaking (how many times did I already use that word, oh well, can't find any other word to describe the feeling).  From there you can see a clearer view of the whole city... from the astonishing Marina Bay view, to the marvelous lights of ships in the Port of Singapore.  You can also see from there, the Garden by the Bay, though it was still under construction at that moment, still one can picture out how beautiful it would be basing on the alien-like structures already built, just waiting for the plants to propagate.

Garden by the Bay construction in progress...

Then, how can we resist the charms of their infinity pool, by the moment we saw it, the kids (okay, including us) rushed our way back to our room to change in our swimming attire.  Upon taking a dip, how good it felt as you could also have an open view of the city below as you take a break once in a while after a nice swimming moment with your family.  One more nice thing about the people in Singapore was they don't mind who you are and what you're wearing, they don't look down on you.  We never felt conscious of what we wear during our stay, we're on slippers, t-shirt and shorts, like other guests when we entered the hotel, and guess what, no one approached any of us considering its already a 5-star hotel.

As we like to stay there until the end of time, we needed to eat something, and friends, Ionne and Raul, met with us for a treat to another famous dining site, Makansutra (makan=food, sutra=art) Gluttons Bay.  We tried their grilled stingray, spicy deep fried baby squids, and for refreshments, sugarcane with lemon... and whew, was it satisfyingly delicious.  The reunion was cut short since they had kids to attend back home and the meeting wasn't planned.  Then we were on our way back to watch the light, fire and water show at the Wonder Full in Marina Bay Sands.

The show lasted for 12 and a half minutes of spectacular convergence of sound, light, fire, and water.  The water fountains created a giant screen for the video clips and their apparatuses made a stunning visual effects performance combining laser, fog, bubbles and fire.  The show was about how life begun, its journey and how it progressed to what it is today.  It also showed how valuable life is, our connection to one another and the importance of relationship.  Never seen one before, so it's simply a WOW for us.

Then after a long day of fun and leisure, we went all the way back to our room and had our well-deserved rest for tomorrow's another day for another great adventure and great blessings... and the details, well, it'll be in my next post... have a good day, guys.  Yahweh bless.