Not content to rest on its laurels, the Singapore tourism community is always trying to make a great place even better. With two integrated resorts and a number of entertainment venues currently under construction, now's the time to take a look at Singapore's very near future.
Marina Bay Sands
This is the most exciting project in Singapore currently. Set to open in 2009, the resort will be the first to bring legalized gaming to Singapore. Close to Suntec Convention Centre and the central business district, Marina Bay Sands will bring 2,600 rooms and 1 million square feet of meeting space.
The three buildings that make up the resort will be linked by a sky park at the top, which will include a garden, scenic walk, restaurant, swimming pool, and observation deck. The resort is set to open in 2009.
Resorts World Sentosa
Sentosa Island will host Resorts World at Sentosa, a family- and incentive-friendly property. Entertainment options at the resort include Universal Studios theme park; Marine Life Park, which promises to be the world’s largest oceanarium; the Equarius Water Park, where visitors can enjoy customized water rides; Maritime Xperiential Museum; and FestiveWalk, a lively outdoor retail, dining and entertainment space.
Six different hotels are expected to offer 1,800 rooms in total. The Resorts World at Sentosa's meeting facilities will handle up to 12,000 delegates in 3 different venues. Resorts World Sentosa is expected to open in 2010.
Gardens by the Bay
Set to open in phases starting in 2010, Singapore's second botanical gardens will span 133 acres. This "green lung," as city planners are calling it, will offer an ideal place for attendees to breathe in Singapore's natural beauty.
Rejuvenation of Orchard Road
Full of colorful street vendors and with more shopping than you can shake a wad of cash at, Orchard Road is the one destination that almost all visitors to Singapore see at least once (70 percent of foreign tourists come here, by the latest count). Known as the Rodeo Drive of Asia, the already swanky-yet-vibrant street is becoming even more pedestrian-friendly and tourism officials are adding new attractions all the time.
Singapore Flyer
What good is a modern Asian metropolis sans a giant, ultramodern Ferris wheel? In 2008, Singapore Flyer will tower nearly 600 feet above the city. Each of the 32 air-conditioned capsules is the size of a city bus--fitting 28 attendees comfortably--and is available for private functions. The event staff at Singapore Flyer will theme the capsule however you'd like and can cater as well. Talk about treating your high-flyers to the top of the town!
