Marina Barrage
Marina Barrage is an icon of Singapore we all already know. You’d likely have visited its sloping green roof sometime since it opened in 2008 to do at least one of the following: have a picnic, fly a kite, or just take photos.
It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Singapore for both locals and tourists alike. And while we’ve got it all to ourselves during this lull period of no travel, you’ll want to maximise your trip down with the following if you haven’t already checked them out:
Visit the lesser-known Sustainable Singapore Gallery
ArtScience Museum may be our go-to for artsy exhibits but little do most know, there’s a lesser-known gallery tucked within Marina Barrage that anyone can access for free.
Image credit: @jthejon
The Sustainable Singapore Gallery was built to educate the public on water conservation and creating a clean and green environment for future generations. And while that may already sound like a primary school excursion hotspot – spoiler alert, it actually is – the futuristic gallery also provides plenty of IG-worthy photo ops to snap while you explore.
Image credit: Terra SG
Within its space are mini-games, multimedia displays and free guided tours held every hour that you can sign up for. You’ll also be able to track your carbon footprint here and compare them to your friends’ with a short quiz at the Climate Chamber.
Address: 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951
Opening hours: Wed – Mon 9AM-6PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Sustainable Singapore Gallery website
Have a sunset date with food delivery
Image credit: Alastair Pang
A sunset, picnic spread and your SO by your side are all some of us need for that perfect date night. To prepare for the occasion, you’ll need a couple of things including a picnic mat, but Grab does deliver food to the barrage’s drop-off point if you’re too lazy to whip up and bring your own meal there.
Image credit: @picneeds
Special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays also call for some extra zhng so consider a picnic set up for hire if the goal’s to impress.
Enjoy a cooling splash with a view at the Water Playground
Image credit: @aussie_boy_mum_in_singapore
“Too hot, hot damn”: Bruno Mars has taken the words right out of our mouths. The weather’s typically smokin’ hot all year round and if you don’t spend time sweating out in the sun, take a splash in the Water Playground instead. Kids and the young at heart are both welcome.
Image credit: @aussie_boy_mum_in_singapore
Cool down with water fountain arches and wading pools, while enjoying the view of the skyline in the distance. Marina Barrage also has clean public toilets for you to clean up and change into fresh clothes after.
Note: The Water Playground is temporarily closed until further notice. You can check if it’s open and book your slots here.
Use it as a scenic rest stop while cycling around the area
Aside from offering a myriad of recreation activities and facilities, Marina Barrage is also located in a bike-friendly area with PCNs and other cycling paths leading up to the attraction.
The nearby Marina Bay and East Coast Park both have bike rental shops where you can grab a bike from $4/hour to explore all of Gardens By The Bay, Bay East Garden and Marina Barrage in one trip.
If you’re a greenhorn, be sure to check our guide to cycling rules.
Visit Marina Barrage on your next weekend out
Now that P2HA restrictions have lifted slightly, pop by Marina Barrage to enjoy a picnic at sunset, explore a hidden gallery or cycle around the area to work up a sweat. Just don’t forget to mask up properly if you’re not eating and abide by all safe distancing measures!
For more popular attractions to consider on your next free day:
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal, Alastair Pang, @aussie_boy_mum_in_singapore