Are you looking for a unique and fun way to spend a day in Singapore? Do you want to experience the city’s engineering marvels, stunning views, and green spaces? If so, you should definitely visit the Marina Barrage, Singapore’s rooftop park and dam.
The Marina Barrage is a multipurpose project that serves as a reservoir, a flood control system, and a recreational facility. It is located at the mouth of the Marina Channel, where it separates the fresh water from the sea water. The Marina Barrage also features a rooftop park, where you can enjoy various activities, such as picnicking, kite flying, sightseeing, and photography.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Marina Barrage, including its history, features, attractions, and practical information. We will also give you some tips and facts that will make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences at the Marina Barrage.
Rooftop Park
One of the main attractions of the Marina Barrage is the rooftop park, which covers an area of 12,000 square meters. The rooftop park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, who come here to relax, have fun, and admire the views.
The rooftop park is ideal for picnicking, as it has plenty of grassy areas, benches, and shelters. You can bring your own food and drinks, or buy them from the vending machines or the nearby cafes. You can also rent a picnic mat or a cooler box from the Marina Barrage Visitor Centre.
The rooftop park is also a great place for kite flying, as it has strong and steady winds. You can bring your own kite, or buy one from the kite shop at the Marina Barrage. You can also join the kite flying workshops and events that are held regularly at the rooftop park. You will be amazed by the variety and beauty of the kites that fill the sky, from traditional to modern, from simple to elaborate.
The rooftop park is also a perfect spot for sightseeing and photography, as it offers panoramic views of the city skyline and the Gardens by the Bay. You can see the iconic landmarks of Singapore, such as the Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and the Esplanade. You can also see the impressive Supertrees and the Flower Dome of the Gardens by the Bay, which are illuminated at night. The best time to visit the rooftop park is in the late afternoon or evening, when the sun sets and the lights come on.
Dam
Another main attraction of the Marina Barrage is the dam, which is the first of its kind in Singapore. The dam serves as a barrier that prevents salt water from entering the Marina Reservoir, which is Singapore’s 15th and largest reservoir. The dam also helps to regulate the water level and prevent flooding in the low-lying areas of the city.
The dam is not only a functional structure, but also a showcase of Singapore’s environmental and sustainability efforts. The dam features a Solar Park, which consists of 405 solar panels that generate electricity for the Marina Barrage and the surrounding facilities. The dam also houses the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, which is a museum that displays the various initiatives and achievements of Singapore in water management, renewable energy, and green living.
The dam is open to the public, and you can walk or cycle along the crest of the dam, which is 350 meters long. You can also join the free guided tours that are offered daily at the Marina Barrage Visitor Centre. You will learn more about the history, design, and operation of the dam, as well as the environmental and social benefits of the project. You will also get to see the inner workings of the dam, such as the pumps, gates, and valves.
Practical Information
Before you visit the Marina Barrage, here are some practical information that you should know:
The Marina Barrage is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, the Visitor Centre, the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, and the kite shop have different opening hours, which you can check on their website.
The entry to the Marina Barrage is free of charge. However, there is a nominal fee for parking, which is $0.50 per half hour from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and $0.60 per half hour from 6:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
The Marina Barrage is accessible by public transport, such as bus, MRT, or taxi. You can also take the free shuttle bus that runs between the Marina Bay MRT station and the Marina Barrage every 15 minutes from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends and public holidays.
The Marina Barrage has various facilities and amenities for the convenience and comfort of the visitors, such as restrooms, water coolers, lockers, first aid kits, and free Wi-Fi. There are also cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores nearby, where you can buy food, drinks, and other essentials.
The Marina Barrage is close to other attractions and places of interest in Singapore, such as the Gardens by the Bay, the ArtScience Museum, the Marina Bay Sands, and the Singapore Flyer. You can easily combine your visit to the Marina Barrage with these other destinations, and make the most of your time in Singapore.
The Marina Barrage is a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Singapore. It is a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the city’s engineering marvels and stunning views, and the green spaces and recreational activities. Whether you want to relax, have fun, or learn something new, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences at the Marina Barrage.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to the Marina Barrage today, and experience the rooftop park and dam for yourself. You will not regret it!
