Merlion Park

March 12, 2010

The cab we took from the construction sites seemed nice. Throughout our entire trip (Singapore and Kuala Lumpur), whenever we’d take a taxi, I was always seated in front, beside the driver, and I would always have a little chat with them. This particular driver seemed kind but we noticed that it seemed that he took the much longer road towards the Merlion Park. We passed by that new Marina Bay Sands Resort being built and the Singapore flyer. The trip must have lasted around 10 minutes.

Anyway, the view from the marina was beautiful. But you know what, after all the trouble it took to get there, I wasn’t impressed with the merlion statute. But the view from the bay was really beautiful. The flickering lights look like loose diamonds in the sky and you could just stare and be mesmerized.

You must be wondering where the merlion is from the pictures. Well, I figured you all had enough of it already so instead I posted the different views from the merlion park. The first photo (taken by Kumareng Grace, I think) is of the famous Esplanade. On the far left, the one that looks like a gem peppered with diamonds is the main hall, which has a concert hall, theater hall, studios, etc. The while sails near the center serves as an outside theater hall. And on the far right is the Singapore Flyer. The second photo ((taken by Kumareng Grace, again, I think)) is the Marina Bay Sands Resort being built. I will write a separate entry about that. And the last photo (which I took using our point-and-shoot Ixus 60) is the underside of the bridge from the Merlion Park to the Esplanade.

 

getting lost

It was late afternoon when we decided to interrupt our shopping for rugs, shirts, souvenirs, and chocolates in Orchard road and visit the Merlion Park at the Marina Bay. Since the sun sets quite late in Singapore, we figured we still have enough time to see the Merlion during the day and wait until night time to get some night shots too.

The Merlion Park is fronting the bay, so I thought it’s right about the Marina Bay MRT station. So off we go.

Upon exiting the station, however, we were greeted with dust and dirt from the construction sites. We though this was normal and a part of Singapore’s developments in the area. After several minutes of walking I could see the bay area. We must be getting near. After a few more minutes, there was still nothing but dirt and construction areas. And it’s starting to get dark. But still we persisted. I think we must’ve spent around one hour wandering, trying to figure out which way to go, and we were all tired. There was nowhere to stop and sit because it was a construction area, and we were walking along the side of the main road where trucks and shuttles were passing. At one point, a construction worker told us to stay away from the site because it was a hard hat area and debris might fall on us. We are totally lost! And so we decided to stop and just hire a cab to take us to the Merlion Park.

Looking back, getting lost in a foreign country is all but normal. It’s the fun part of travelling actually. And if ever we didn’t get lost, then we wouldn’t have been able to see these beautiful buildings being built (all taken by Kumareng Grace). No matter how much you plan your trip, getting lost is one of those things you remember and laugh about right after. It’s one of the things that highlight your trip.