![We explain Singapore’s most iconic and unusual landmarks, Marina Bay Sands The Esplanade, Merlion and ArtScience Museum](https://static.honeykidsasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/iconic_hero-300x229.jpg)
From the boat on stilts to the ‘durians’ and a merlion, we bring you Singapore’s most unusual attractions and landmarks and the reason behind their intriguing designs
Ever wondered about the story behind Singapore’s quirky landmarks? In a bustling metropolis rich with swanky skyscrapers and eclectic shophouses, it’s always interesting to find unusual landmarks that make you ooh, aah and reach for your camera. Whether you’ve got the grandparents in town for a Christmas visit (and are bringing them around on a city tour) or are making your own Singapore bucket list, knowing the stories behind these iconic attractions are a fun way immerse yourself into this fab city.
The Esplanade
With its eye-catching green spikes on its twin-domes, the Esplanade is often affectionately referred to as “the big durians”. When its architectural design was first unveiled, it quickly became a thorny issue amongst the public. Designer BG Yeo still claims that the durian did not come to mind as he was designing the performing arts centre. Instead, he saw the triangular sunshades (the spikes) as a shield from the sun and a way to allow plenty of external views and varying perceptions of the building from different angles. Today, the arts centre is much loved for its regular offerings of world-class performances and clever positioning amongst the towering skyscrapers of Raffles Place and surrounding colonial buildings.
The Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038983; www.esplanade.com
ArtScience Museum
Dubbed the “Welcoming hand of Singapore”, the ArtScience Museum was designed by Israeli-born Canadian architect Moshe Safdie. Sitting prominently by the bay in front of ultra-luxe Marina Bay Sands, the museum has a distinctive lotus shape with 10 irregularly shaped petals, resembling a hand when viewed from above. The museum’s interesting and iconic design reflects the highly creative and intriguing content of its exhibits.
ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974;
www.marinabaysands.com/museum.html
Marina Bay Sands Sands Skypark
Sitting atop the mammoth luxury complex of Marina Bay Sands is Sands Skypark, also otherwise known as the “boat in the sky.” While the reason behind the structure’s ship design is not clear, one thing’s for sure: it’s a gawk-worthy engineering marvel and is, rightfully so, the place to soak in views of the city (plus how gorge is that instagrammed-to-death infinity pool?)
Marina Bay Sands Skypark, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956; www.marinabaysands.com/sands-skypark.html
Merlion
Let’s be honest here: The Merlion is an odd sight when compared to its surroundings. What we can’t deny though, is its symbolic value to Singapore’s history. Its fish torso represents the Little Red Dot’s roots as a fishing village while the lion head symbolises Singapore’s original name of Singapura, meaning ‘lion city’ in Malay. Standing at 8.6 metres, the statue spouts water from its mouth into the river, making it the subject of countless hilarious tourist photos. Go on, you know you want to take one too!
Merlion, Merlion Park, One Fullerton
Alkaff Bridge
With its extremely colourful appearance, the Alkaff Bridge stands out amongst the usual pedestrian bridges around the Singapore River. Spanning the river at Robertson Quay, the bridge’s shape is inspired by the tongkang – a light boat used to transport goods back when the city was a fishing village. In 2004, the bridge took on the reputation of the “Art Bridge” when Filipina artist Pacita Abad and her crew painted it in 55 different colours and assorted patterns. The bridge has also come to be known as the talented artist’s gift to Singapore, as it was painted in the last year of her life, when she was critically ill with cancer. Her inspiring contribution and its message of art as bringing together government agencies and artistic individuals seals the bridge’s reputation as far more than simply an eye-catching landmark.
Alkaff Bridge, Robertson Quay; www.singaporeartbridge.com