Sands SkyPark @ Marina Bay opening on 24th June 2010

Just read an article on Sands SkyPark in the newspaper today. Looks interesting. Each country tries to build something bigger, taller, unique and spectacular... nothing seems be really impossible. Stretching longer than the Eiffel tower laid down or four and a half A380 Jumbo Jets, with an impressive 12,400 square meters of space, the Sands SkyPark can host up to 3900 people. The gravity-defying cantilever is one of the largest of its kind in the world. From this privileged observation deck, hundreds of visitors at a time can feast their eyes on the unforgettable panorama view.

Having to drive past the Marina Bay Sands every now and then, kept thinking when will this piece of massive architecture be opening its doors to the public! And with a huge height phobia, I'm still apprehensive as to whether should I risk my life to make a trip there when it's open to public next week. I chickened out on free ride at Singapore Flyer, mind you. -_- This is really something that I haven't overcome yet and I doubt I can do so in this lifetime. I'll probably pee in my pants, instinctively crawl on all fours and try to find the safest spot to be at when I'm way up there!

Nevertheless, that's just me. I'm sure for those who loves to take nice pictures of Singapore, it's probably one of the best place to see the whole of Singapore, I think. hehe...

Anyway, just wanna share some interesting SkyPark fun facts that I saw in the newspaper today. :)

• The length of the SkyPark is 340m. If the Eiffel Tower in Paris were laid on the ground, it would be shorter than that and the SkyPark's 1.2ha rooftop garden is large enough to park 4 1/2 A-380 jumbo jets
• The 150m-long infinity pool, which overlooks the city's skyline, is the highest outdoor pool in Singapore
• The pool, which has three linked 50m pools, contains about 1.4 million litres of water
• The garden has 250 trees and 650 plants. The large trees have stainless steel restraints at the root balls, which are tied to precast blocks to prevent them from toppling in strong winds
• The SkyPark covers 1.2ha, equivalent to 10 Olympic-size swimming pools. It was designed by architect Moshe Safdie, whose works include the acclaimed Salt Lake City Public Library in the United States and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Israel
• About 200 tonnes of bolts were used in Skypark's steelwork
• Over 9,000 aluminium panels make up the Sands SkyPark Hull cladding, which is the SkyPark's underbelly
• About 2 million pieces of fixings such as screws, bolts and nuts, and stainless steel rivets can be found in the hull cladding system
• The SkyPark can take up to 3,900 people at any one time. The building has lightning protection
• Groups of up to 160 people jumped up and down on the cantilever at different locations for a recent stress test to measure vibrations and movements

You can buy your tickets from Sistic. They have admission time 2.00PM, 3.30PM and 5.00PM. I think they want to limit the number of people going there at one time in case the whole place topples down... hehe *kidding*. I think this place going to be a hit for marriage proposals, wedding photoshoots, anniversaries, celebrations, etc.. :)

For more information on Sands SkyPark - Marina Bay
Address: Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue
Tel: 6688-8868
Height: 200m
What: Sprawling rooftop garden on the 57th floor houses The Sky On 57 restaurant run by celebrity chef Justin Quek; a restaurant-bar; the Marina Bay Club for hotel guests; a 150m swimming pool; and a public observation deck
View: The SkyPark offers an unrivalled view of the city, Marina Bay area and central business district. You can see as far Johor and the Indonesian islands of Bintan and Batam.
Opens: Next Thursday, 24th June 2010. The public obeservation deck will be opened to public from 2pm. 500 first-day tickets, priced at $20 each, includes a special commemorative cap. Normal operating hours after 1st day: 10am to 10pm. Tickets cost $20 (adults), $14 (children aged between 2 and 12 years) and $17 (senior citizens 55 years and above).

Oh ya, in the article, it also list down other places where you can have excellent view of Singapore:
1) Tiger Sky Tower
Address: 41 Imbiah Road, Sentosa
Tel: 1800-736-8677
Height: 131m (the height of a 50-storey building)
What: The tower has an air-conditioned viewing cabin that revolves around a column and gradually ascends and descends
View: As far as Pulau Ubin and Jurong Island in the north, and Sisters' Island and Pulau Bukom in the south
Info: www.skytower.com.sg

2) Singapore Flyer
Address: 30 Raffles Avenue
Tel: 6333-3311
Height: 165m (height of a 42-storey building)
What: It is one of the world's largest observation wheels. Each of the 28 air-conditioned capsules can take up to 28 people on a 30-minute ride
View: Located on the south-east tip views of the city, central business district and the F1 circuit. On a clear day, you can see Batam and Bintan, Johor and other parts of Malaysia
Opens: Daily, 8.30am to 10pm. tickets from $20.65 for a person
Info: www.singaporeflyer.com

3) Equinox Complex
Address: Swissotel, The Stamford
Tel: 6837-3322
Height: 226m
What: This has 5 restaurants and bars - Equinox Restaurant, New Asia, Jaan Restaurant, City Space and Introbar - on levels 1, 70,71 and 72. There are also 4 private dining rooms.
View: The F&B venues offer a stunning view overlooking the Padang, Esplanade, Marina Bay area and Central Business District to as far as Malaysia and Indonesia
Opens: Daily
Info: www.swissotel.com/singapore-stamford

4) 1-Altitude
Address: One Raffles Place
Tel: 6536-4939 (CityGolf), 6438-0410 (1-Altitude and Stellar)
Height: 282m
What: An integrated sports and lifestyle venue on the top floors of One Raffles Place. The outlets include 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar on level 63; Stellar fine-dining restaurant level 62 and 282 and CityGolf simulated golf facility on level 61
View: Located in the heart of the Central Business District, it offers unobstructed views of the Marina Bay area, overlooking Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer
Opens: CityGolf opens daily, 10am to midnight; 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar and Stellar will open next month
Info: www.citigolf.com.sg

5) Top of the M
Address: Mandarin Orchard Singapore, Orchard Wing
Tel: 6831-6288
Height: 167m, about 3m higher than Bukit Timah Hill
What: A chill-out bar on level 38 that draws tourists, hotel guests and hipsters
View: A dazzling skyline of Orchard Road and its bustling shopping belt
Opens: Fridays and Saturdays (5pm to 2am), Sundays to Thursdays (5pm to 1am)
Info: www.meritus-hotels.com

6) Roof Garden
Address: Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road
Tel: 6238-1051
Height: 63m
What: A pretty, landscaped garden on levels 11 and 12 with art installations and F&B outlets such as Victoria Peak Chinese Cuisine, Juriya Penthouse and Tung Lok Seafood
View: Orchard Road area
Opens: Daily
Info: http://www.orchardcentral.com.sg/

Enjoy folks! Hope you find this piece of info useful! :)