Marina Barrage

Dec 22nd, 2010 by Frog Prince

Dams are often known for being functional than as a venue for wedding photos. However, if you pay a visit to Marina Barrage in Singapore, you will see why many young couples choose the place. As for me, I think I am just in love with the green roof concept.

Officially opened on 1^st November 2008, it is Singapore’s fifteenth reservoir and is built across the bay between Marina East and Marina South.

Officially, the dam is to provide water supply and act as a tidal barrier to keep out seawater and prevent floods in low-lying areas. Thanks to its innovative design though, it has become an attraction, popular among locals and tourists alike.

What grabs your attention first is the structure. I don’t quite know how to describe it so have a look at the picture:

Credit: http://www.news.gov.sg/public/sgpc/en/media_releases/agencies/pub/press_release/P-20090507-4.html

This is the aerial view and those green bits – they are real grass. To get up there, you can walk up the sort of spiral green path or take the stairs (boring!). Here’s a closer look at the path:

I pick the green path because not only does it allow you to exercise, it makes a great backdrop too for dramatic photos. Imagine a photo of the groom chasing the bride up the path!

But there’s more – the place has art installations all around and for kids and those young at heart – the wading pool and the green roof is a dream come true. Go on, wet those feet and admire the water and light show!

Or fly some kites off the roof. You may have to jostle for space though as it’s usually full of people and the sky is just dotted with kites of all shapes and sizes.

Here’s a picture showing those kites but I have to say that my favourite is the panda one!

It looks like a sticker on a wall but I swear, that’s a panda flying high in the sky!

If flying kite is not your cup of tea, have a look at the view and be amazed. You can see landmarks like the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands.

To get to the heart of its purpose, walk across the bridge that separates the seawater from the river. You will actually stand on top of the pumps that control the water flow.

Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Barrage

And if you stop by the gallery, you will get to see how Marina Barrage works. The gallery has a model and demonstrates how when the water level of the river rises, the gates will be opened to release the excess water into the sea.

Credit: http://bearbeardiary.blogspot.com/2008/11/marina-barrage.html

If you are worried about hunger pangs, there’s the 7^th Storey Restaurant which offers all Asian cuisine at an affordable price. As an alternative, you can also pack a picnic basket yourself and enjoy it from the green roof (this is me reminding you how much I liked the green roof J).

Impressed? I certainly was! It beats visiting the mall and I was able to learn something new too!

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