The Singapore Skyline

There is one thing that I never get tired of in this city. Well, I guess there is probably more than one. But the main thing that remains impressive is the city's skyline. Singapore has a downtown area, also known as the Central Business District. It's your typical American-Style downtown district with tall skyscrapers and business people galore. The weird part about it, however, is that the towering buildings and modern feel extend in every direction from the CBD. So much so, that if you have a view from high above, the buildings never seem to end. Most of them that are beyond the CBD are huge housing complexes, as most people in Singapore live in large condo-type complexes.

The nice thing about the CBD is that part of it is bordered by the river. Our office borders the CPD, and it's about a 10 minute walk through the skyscrapers to the river. A few of us in the office have started running after work a couple times a week and it couldn't be a better place for it. The riverfront itself is full of shops, restaurants and the like, but it's also a great place to run as it's an endless trail in either direction. The following pictures are what we see from our normal running route (although they weren't actually taken while I was running).



And these are just some pics of other skyline views I have seen.



Across the river/bay area from the CBD is a brand new complex called Marina Bay. The three huge towers are connected at the top by an impressive platform that looks like a long, flat boat. The entire complex houses a casino on the bottom that is free for foreigners, but Singaporeans have to pay $100 to enter. It's the governments way of making a lot of money off of everyone they can't control. The large platform at the top just opened last week and anyone can go to the top for $20. It apparently has a huge pool, bars, trees, and I'm sure the best view in town. I'll let you know what it's like when I go!



One day after work, we went out for some drinks at a bar around the corner from our office. They had an amazing rooftop bar that apparently ranks in the top 20 in the world!



Finally, Singapore is home to the largest observation wheel in the world. Combine a huge ferris wheel and the space needle and this is what you get. Similar to the London Eye, it moves very slowly and takes about 45 minutes to get all the way around. During your journey, you're in a climate controlled glass capsule that holds around 20 people. The best part is the constant view you have in every direction.