Besides spacious suite rooms and the Skypark infinity pool, Marina Bay Sands has a lot more to offer with its state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, theaters, world-class entertainment and the best shopping and dining in the region. We will be sharing with you our top 5 experiences (in no particular order – we enjoyed ourselves with each of these activities) in Marina Bay Sands during our short getaway/staycation in Singapore, that you can also check out (even if you are not a guest at the Marina Bay Sands hotel). You can also plan a getaway to Marina Bay Sands Singapore – look out for flight promotions to Singapore from wherever you are and book the cheap tickets!

1. Understand the creative process brought about by melding the disciplines of Art and Science and Experience exclusive international exhibitions at the ArtScience Museum

The architecture of the iconic ArtScience Museum is just as interesting as the suite of blockbuster international exhibits and permanent exhibits it hosts over three floors of gallery space across 6000 square meters. It looks like a lotus flower and has been called “The Welcoming Hand of Singapore” by Mr Sheldon Adelson, the visionary chairman of Las Vegas Sands Corp.

One of our favorite exhibition is the Dali: Minds of a Genius – The Exhibition (it will run from 14 May 2011 til 30 October 2011) where we got to literally enter the surreal mind of Salvador Dali, one of the 20th century’s best known artists. One of the most memorable exhibits was the Mae West Lips Sofa – Dali was inspired by the actress Mae West’s sensual lips to create this sofa (see picture below). It illustrates one of Dali’s enduring motifs to see images within objects. Of course, not forgetting Dali’s famous representation of melted clocks which represent the notion of time passing, fading beauty and unavoidable mortality.

Another interesting exhibition is Shipwrecked: Tang Treasures and Monsoon Winds where we got to explore an astonishing cargo of some 60,000 objects carried by a ninth-century Arab dhow, ranging from exquisite ceramics to rare items of finely worked gold. Lying undisturbed on the ocean floor for more than 1,100 years until its discovery near Indonesia’s Belitung Island in 1998, it is one of the oldest and most important marine archaeological finds of the late 20th century.

The ArtScience Museum provides the opportunity for visitors of all ages to enjoy the exhibitions on show and embark on a learning journey through different media – be it art, music, film or skateboarding. Furthermore, a value for money special package price is available for a family of four – $80 for a group of 4 – this allows families to save up to $40 in total admission costs (valid til 30 October 2011).

2. Unwind with a cocktail and a breathtaking view of Singapore CBD skyline at KU DÉ TA SkyBar by the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Savour the view from Singapore’s most iconic bar – The KU DÉ TA SkyBar. It is perched above the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark observation deck, the perfect hangout from which to survey the world below and enjoy the panoramic view of the Singapore Strait as we sipped on unique cocktail creations e.g. Sunset Punch, by KU DÉ TA mixologists.

KU DÉ TA poolside food menu boasts a great collection of Singapore and Ang Mo Favorites (Ang Mo referring to Western; it is actually indicated as “Ang Mo” in the menu!) from soy-braised pork belly kong bah & secret spice ‘crunchies’ to sautéed black cod brandade & shiso aioli. The portions are great for sharing and perfect as a pre-theater snack while chilling out with friends and enjoying the beautiful sunset view at the KU DÉ TA SkyBar.

3. See The Lion King at the Marina Bay Sands Theater – the musical production that will stir your soul and win your heart

Seen by over 51 million people around the world, Disney’s internationally-acclaimed musical The Lion King is showing at the Sands Theater at Marina Bay Sands. Brilliantly reimagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney’s beloved film has been transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience which has won over 70 major international theater awards.

The Lion King explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Academy Award-winning ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. We were amazed at how elements of African art and Broadway artisanship were blended to depict anthropomorphic animal characters and clever life-sized puppetry work was developed to create Lion King characters that looked like how they would appear in the cartoon.

The Lion King story is easy to follow and understand from the performance – you need not have knowledge of the story through the cartoon or storybook version (although if you had seen the cartoon, you will be better able to relate to the songs sung during the show). The Lion King theater performance is full of surprises which you have to experience for yourself e.g. how each of the characters are depicted and how the movement of the props blend in with the dances. There are 2 things you should take note of if you are planning to catch the Lion King at the Sands Theater:
– DO NOT be late; some of the best surprises and interactive elements happen within the first few minutes of the show and you might be stopped outside if you arrive late, until the next act.
– Look out for a few subtle and surprising references to Singapore during the show 🙂

The Lion King plays Tuesday to Sunday evenings at 8pm and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Ticket prices start at $65 and can be purchased at the Sands Theater Box Office or SISTIC outlets or via the Internet at http://www.marinabaysands.com/TheLionKing

4. Find the perfect gift for that special someone at Marina Bay Sands The Shoppes during the Great Singapore Sale and earn rewards with Premier Advantage membership

The Great Singapore Sale is now on and there is no better place to shop to your heart’s content than at The Shoppes at the Marina Bay Sands. With up to 80% off at over 70 stores and late night shopping every day till 11pm and till 12 midnight on Friday and Saturday, you will definitely be able to find something for yourself or your loved ones at affordable prices. For example, I managed to grab one of the best deals exclusive to the Shoppes at the Marina Bay Sands – the OSIM uMomi IV upper/lower back massage machine is available at a special price of $88 (almost half price off from the usual price of $160) – a perfect gift for my parents.

Before you go on your shopping spree, remember to sign up for your Premier Advantage membership at any one of the registration booths around the Shoppes. Registration is a quick and easy process – the staff will scan your NRIC card and your details are automatically captured; a webcam is then used to take your picture which is then printed on your membership card and you get your Premier Advantage membership card (with your picture on it) within 5 minutes. When you shop, you can earn points which can be converted into Premier Dollars for use at celebrity chef restaurants, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands or the sights at Sands SkyPark.

5. Dine at one of Marina Bay Sands’ Celebrity Restaurants – the Osteria Mozza

Osteria Mozza is almost a mirror image of its fine dining operations in California, with the delicious addition of local seafood and vegetables – you will be the envy of your friends in Los Angeles, who wait months for a reservation at Mario Batali’s chic California location.

At the heart of Osteria Mozza is a free-standing mozzarella bar, where a wide array of fresh items—from mozzarella, burrata, bocconcini and stracciatella—is prepared. The full liquor bar is backed by a stunning millwork feature and spills onto white marble bar tops where guests can gather to enjoy items from the mozzarella bar. The remainder of the menu features salumi, pasta, seafood and meat dishes.

Osteria Mozza’s menu is based on the chefs’ culinary adventures in New York, Bologna, and the entire Italian ‘boot’. Widely imaginative and in-touch with traditional roots, the menu features artisanal salumi and handmade pasta, along with seafood and meat dishes conceived by Mario and Nancy. The wine list features over 700 selections from all over Italy. A three course Italian menu with selections of antipasti, primi, and dolci at $60++ per person. Available from Tuesdays to Sundays from 5pm to 7pm – perfect as a pre-theater meal. We had the opportunity to try out a wide selection of pizzas from the Pizzeria Mozza – this is a more casual setup where guests can see the chefs at work as they prepare fresh pizzas from two wood burning pizza ovens.