Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Squeezed to join the crowd at the newly opened Marina Bay Sands, Singapore over the weekends. The Sands was opened on April 27, 2010 Tuesday at the fengshui auspicious time of 15:18 hrs. Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sheldon G. Adelson and other company officials had flown in and officiated the opening of the Marina Bay Sands, the most ambitious and architecturally-stunning leisure and convention facility ever built.  Enthusiastic guests and excited gamblers spilt all over the new hotel and convention centre when the celebratory ribbon was cut.

Marina Bay Sands will open progressively over the course of the year, with the first phase including 963 hotel rooms, parts of the shopping mall and convention center, some restaurants and bars, the Event Plaza along Marina Bay, and the casino. On June 23, during the official grand opening celebration, the remainder of the property’s 2,560 guest rooms, more shops from the world’s leading retailers, additional dining options, and exciting nightlife offerings, will open. The Sands SkyPark, which sits 60 stories off the ground and is perched atop the property’s three hotel towers, will also debut on June 23.

The hotel had received rave comments about the place and its service as a whole that day. Despite a recent hiccup over electricity being cut off at one of the meetings, I thought I still need to see it for myself.
 

The building is indeed a beauty by itself. And architecturally challenging I believe too. Within the hotel itself, there are public art collection and artefacts beautifully decorating its interior. The ambience is really nice but I think the place is not fully ready yet as there were still minor renovation works with signs here and there around the hotel and convention centre which does not appear too sightly. There are quite a few storeys of shopping at the mall. Quite of the shops in the mall were not opened yet but I believe it will be a pleasing shopping experience when they are all fully opened. 

 

 

On the third floor of the shopping mall, walking outside of the mall at one point, we had a real nice night view of the Singapore River. It was an amazing view! I dont think anywhere else in Singapore can we find this view. Its really beautiful!

 

My impression of the place was definitely one of praise. There were nice restaurants, pubs and even thoughtful small local delight cafes lining the mall for those who do not want to dig into their pockets. Though I did not step into the Casino yet that evening, I could already feel all the excitement building up at the Sands.

 

When its fully open, I shall visit this place again. I understand there will be a floating canal in the mall too and I look forward to visit the Sands living up to its expectations to become the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia. Some info on the Casino to share: 

CASINO ENTRY LEVY*

*Casino entry levy is payable only by Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Foreigners should carry a valid passport. Casino patrons must be 21 years old or above. Other rules and regulations apply. Levy can be paid online from Tuesday 27th April, at AXS machines or at on-site kiosks.

HOW TO GET THERE

TO SINGAPORE

By Air from Changi Airport

Marina Bay Sands Airport Shuttle Bus* (24-hr service from all terminals), or Taxi.

By Coach from Malaysia

Our coach partners include Compass Coaches, First Coach, Gunung Raya, Luxury Tours and Travel, and Super Nice Express. (Click here for more information)

WITHIN SINGAPORE

Public transport is recommended as parking may be limited during peak hours. Costs about $8 per hour for parking. For detailed information on Transportation click here

TAXI

Take taxi to one of the four designated drop-off points at Marina Bay Sands.

PUBLIC BUS

Take bus number 97, 97e, 106, 133, 502 or 518.

MRT

NORTH SOUTH LINE – Exit at Marina Bay MRT Station and board the public bus* outside the station.

NORTH SOUTH LINE - Exit at Raffles Place MRT Station and board the public bus (SBS 97) at the bus stop opposite Oglivy Centre along Robinson Road or at the bus stop in front of The Sail along Marina Boulevard

CIRCLE LINE – Exit at Promenade MRT Station and take a 10-minute walk to Bayfront Avenue or board the public bus* outside the station on Temasek Avenue

Marina Bay Sands is located at 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018970.