Saturday, June 16, 2012

Trail #2: City Hall (Part II)

Introduction
Continuing from Part I of the City Hall Trail, this trail will highlight a trail where you can catch some great views of Singapore's city skyline at night while still being able to see some iconic attractions.

City Hall Trail

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A. City Hall MRT Station
Start from City Hall MRT Station. You may want to have dinner at Raffles City Shopping Centre before starting your trail, or to have a late dinner at Lau Pa Sat Market.

B. War Memorial Park 
Known as the "Chopsticks" memorial, the four pillars symbolise the four main races of people living in Singapore. It serves as a memorial to civilians who died in Singapore during World War Two. It's a peaceful place where you can take a stroll at night.

If you are interested in some shopping or eating, you can get over to Suntec City opposite this monument.


C. The Esplanade 
Honestly, from the map, I can't really tell the route taken. But from the War Memorial, you should be able to find an underground somewhere and this leads to the Esplanade.

On your way, you will find some exhibits. These exhibits change all the time and the day we were there, the exhibition was Mix: Re/Tape by Neo Kim Seng. A mixtape is played by snipping segments from selected casettes, resulting in a mish mash of songs.


Okay I cheated with this shot. I took this photo last year during National Day. You can see Esplanade, the two "durians", somewhat in the centre of this shot. At Esplanade, you can catch free performances at night at the Concourse, attend a concert, shop for musical instruments or scores, have a quick bite, go up to the roof terrace for a nice view etc.


D. Merlion
From Esplanade, you will need to cross a bridge to get to the Merlion. You will not regret crossing the bridge because there are things to look at, on both sides of the bridge. On the right hand side, you will see the Fullerton Hotel which was originally known as The Fullerton Building and the General Post Office Building. You will also see the major office buildings in the CBD area. On the left hand side, you will see the Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade etc.


Find your way around a little more and you will find the Merlion, which has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. There are many eating places in the area and the place is very vibrant and happening, even on weekday nights.


E. Lau Pa Sat Festival Market 
After a long walk, it's time to reward your tummy! You can head down to the Lau Pa Sat Festival Market and order some local food!

F. Marina Bay Sands
Time permitting, you may also get to the Marina Bay Sands, whether it is to gamble, to shop (high end stuff) or to catch the laser show (8pm/930pm).

The duration of this trail will vary quite a bit, depending on the activities you ultimately choose to take part in at the location. One night isn't enough to get all the beautiful pictures of the city skyline. Time permitting, I might post another part to the trail which will involve the Singapore Flyer and the Helix Bridge. 

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