The Marina Bay area of Singapore is a super-modern part of the city. The land was only reclaimed in the 1970s, and since then, the authorities have constructed architectural marvels with the aim of creating a prime, mixed space for residential, commercial and entertainment purposes. The Marina Bay is an impressive sight to behold, and a great place to relocate for anyone working within the area or the adjacent Central Business District.
Marina Bay is an exciting place to be, and there’s plenty to see and do when you first arrive. To start, the Marina Bay Sands building dominates the skyline and has been the number one attraction in the area since it opened in stages in 2011 and 2012.
Within the complex is the Sands Casino, a 15,000-sq. ft games room spread over four levels, with 600 table games, 1,600 slot machines and a seven-ton chandelier in the middle. Generally, casinos in Singapore have a smart, casual dress code, and the usual etiquette applies. Permanent residents in the country have to pay an entry fee or annual fee while temporary residents or visitors do not, so familiarize yourself with the rules if you move to Singapore.
The Marina Bay Sands complex also has several world-class restaurants, a hotel, shopping mall, and the SkyPark where you can take in panoramic views across the whole of Singapore. Adjacent to the complex is the ArtScience museum with its lotus flower design. It is home to 20 gallery spaces, and the displays change regularly. An award-winning water show takes place every night at 8 p.m. across the man-made lake beside the complex.
The Gardens by the Bay are also especially impressive. The 101-hectare park by the reservoir is full of art installations and quirky modern designs. You can walk among the treetops of the Super Tree Grove, which looks fascinating lit up at night.
All these attractions will keep you happy and entertained when you first move to Marina Bay, but in the long run, it is the general way of life that will keep you there, if you decide that it’s for you.
There’s always something happening in Marina Bay, and a lot of restaurants and cafes to enjoy, shops to explore, tiny marketplaces and hidden gems. Residents have commented that there are not enough supermarkets within walking distances, but transport links are sufficient around Singapore, so this won’t be too much of a problem. Outdoor and indoor events and concerts are also common. Check out the Esplanade Waterfront for entertaining theater.
Accommodations in Marina Bay can be pricey, especially for expat-style serviced apartments. Then again, Singapore itself is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so even in the lower priced areas further away from the center like the East Coast and West Coast cost around $2,500+ USD for rent. In Marina Bay, serviced apartments with gyms and pools are available for around $4,000 per month all the way up to $14,000+. Cheaper options may be available if you rent locally.
Marina Bay is still largely a commercial area, with great entertainment and impressive architecture all around. And construction is still happening. While this may seem like a drawback, it also means that the area will continue to develop and improve over time. With accommodations in the mid-range for Singapore, and with it being close to the business district, Marina Bay might be the right move for you.