MARINA BARRAGE

Description

Essentials about the Marina Barrage in brief

Singapore is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to turn something as banal as a dam into a landmark. The Marina Barrage is definitely a sight to behold. This is because the barrage is not only an architectural highlight, but also a popular hotspot for leisure activities among locals and tourists alike, as well as a great vantage point on downtown Singapore.

The location of the Marina Barrage

The Marina Barrage was built in 2008 at the mouth of the 350-meter-wide Marina Channel into the Singapore Strait. The barrage connects the central area of the Gardens by the Bay (Gardens by the Bay South) with the Gardens by the Bay East located on the opposite bank of the Marina Channel.

The function of the Marina Barrage

The barrage forms the 15th water reservoir in the city-state of Singapore and supplies around 10% of the city’s water needs. In addition to its water supply function, the Marina Barrage also plays an important role in preventing flooding in the lower-lying parts of Singapore. During heavy rainfall, several gates can be opened at the dam, allowing excess rainwater to drain into the sea at low tide. At high tide, moreover, gigantic pumps go into action, capable of pumping out the equivalent of an Olympic swimming pool every minute and discharging it into the sea.

Attractions at the Marina Barrage

Since the water in the reservoir is calm all year round, there are ideal conditions for kayaking and canoeing. Those with a strong team spirit can of course try their hand at rowing a dragon boat.

Those who prefer to stay on land should definitely visit the green area on the roof of the Marina Barrage. Due to its location right next to the sea and the absence of skyscrapers in the immediate vicinity, the barrage is one of the windiest places in all of Singapore – perfect for flying kites. This is why the city’s kite flying community meets here most evenings to let their colorful flying machines soar into the air.

The view from the Marina Barrage

Those who are not particularly enthusiastic about flying kites still have a good reason to climb to the roof of the Marina Barrage, and that is the magnificent view. From hardly any other place in the city can you get such a great view of the skyline of downtown Singapore and the extraordinary attractions in the city center, such as the Marina Bay Sands hotel, the Gardens by the Bay with its huge greenhouses and the Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel. A paradise for all amateur photographers, especially in the evening when the lights come on in Singapore.