Breaking new ground at every turn, the Marina Barrage is a landmark addition to Singapore’s already impressive tourist landscape. As the 15th reservoir in the country and the only one located at the heart of the Lion City, this iconic engineering feat is also the result of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s visionary idea to build a dam at Marina Channel’s month to fashion a reservoir for freshwater. Built at the meeting point of five rivers between Marina South and Marina East, the revolutionary dam cum recreational centre was declared open to the public in late 2008. Providing flood control as well as serving as a water storage facility, this popular recreational space’s design also won the coveted AAEE (American Academy of Environmental Engineers ) Award in 2009 for the development’s environmentally conscious entrance in to the water preservation effort of its home country. As the biggest and most developed catchment in Singapore, the 10,000 hectare area devoted to the Marina Barrage is 1/6th of the total land mass of the country. Its construction has also increased the Lion city’s total water catchment potential significantly.
Proving to be a popular stopover for tourists and locals, the Marina Barrage’s Marina Basin also serves as a water sports hub with its confines used for dragon boating contests, windsurfing, boating and kayaking activities. Another highlight at the venue is of course its Sola Park which provides 76,000kWh every year through 405 solar panels while the Sustainable Singapore Galley explores the Marina Barrage and other Singaporean feats for their environmentally sustainable and nature conscious efforts to cut down consumption of natural resources. Showcasing the country’s accomplishments in this area via games, multimedia components as well as exhibits, the gallery focuses on water related concerns in the modern context. Other points of interest include the Green Roof made of recycled materials, The Pump House and Marina Bridge while tours of the space can also be organized via the Visitor Centre.
Travellers in search of luxury Singapore apartment hotels should look to La Residenza Serviced Suites for the best spaces in town. Providing guests with the crème de la crème in long stay residences these stylish living quarters are among the finest serviced apartments Singapore has on offer.
