SINGAPORE (DAY 2)

March 16, 2023


We toured the Singapore River and marina area our second day here, including a short cruise on a river boat, a visit to the Bay Marina Sands hotel, casino and shopping center, and then a visit to the Gardens by the Bay.   The Singapore River was once the center of trade as ships came in from the sea and unloaded and loaded their cargo.   Over time, the river couldn’t accommodate the larger shipping vessels, so ports near where our cruise ship is anchored became the new loading/offloading points and the river in the center of Singapore was transformed into a tourist attraction much like the San Antonio River.   


We walked through the high-end shopping center, casino and lobby of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.   It is a magnificent structure with three 56-story towers and an infinity pool and observation deck spanning the three towers.   A high speed elevator whisked us to the 56th floor where we were had a panoramic view of Singapore.


We then visited the Gardens By the Bay.   The primary feature of  the Gardens is a large dome that encompasses plants from all over the world.   They had displays of blooming cherry blossoms that were specially flown in from Japan since it doesn’t get cool enough here for them to bloom.  The dome is kept climate controlled with a constant temperature of about 68 degrees F with modest humidity.   There is one olive tree in the dome that our guide said was over 1000 years old.  Photos really don’t do justice to this place.  

                                              

                                              Our river boat cruiser (electric motor powered).


Along the river are shops with residences above. We motored by this area before the shops were open.

                                    This is Apple's consumer store in Singapore.   Pretty fancy, huh?


                                The cityscape in the background is Singapore's financial district

                                   Singapore's legendary Merlion: half lion and half sea serpent.

                                 

                                                               

      At 58th floor platform a glimpse of infinity pool atop Marina Bay Sands Hotel

                                                            

Weird looking building is coliseum with retractable roof that hosts sporting events and concerts.

                                                        

Marina Gardens Dome area.   Note all the ships anchored in the bay waiting to load/unload


        Metallic structures covered with live tropical plants on the column in the Marina Garden area.


                                                        

                                        Inside the climate controlled dome.

      

                                    

                                                                    200 year old olive tree inside the dome

               Somebody parked our yacht next to our cruise ship.   Note helicopter.   Russian oligarch?  



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