23 Nov 2008 - Marina Barrage

After the failed attempt few weeks back to visit Marina Barrage, we decided to try again today. We left home very early to have our breakfast at the Prata Shop along Upper Thomson Road. By the time we reached Marina Barrage, it was before 10am. The security guard refused to let cars go into the Marina Barrage carpark so I had to park at the one outside the Barrage. Jerlene fell asleep just when we were about to reach there. As I decided not to bring along the stroller, we found a place to sit down and wait for Jerlene to wake up.
Following is just a brief introduction of Marina Barrage: Built across the mouth of the Marina Channel, the Marina Barrage creates Singapore’s 15th reservoir, and the first in the heart of the city. With a catchment area of 10,000 hectares, or one-sixth the size of Singapore, the Marina catchment is the island’s largest and most urbanised catchment. Marina Barrage serves three main purposes namely, water supply, flood control and lifestyle attraction.

Jerlene finally woke up after close to an hour sleep. Usually her mood won't be too good when she just wakes up but today, she woke up with a big smile. And next moment, she started running about.
At the Marina Barrage, there is an indoor exhibition called Sustainable Singapore Gallery (SSG). It is an information and sensory extravaganza showcasing Singapore’s efforts towards environmental sustainability. Explore six galleries, each sharing a unique aspect of Singapore’s sustainable story. Uncover, through fun interactive and innovative multimedia, how a small country with limited resources meets the needs of a fast developing community in an environmentally-friendly manner.


There are many interesting exhibits in SSG and Jerlene really enjoyed very much.

There is one area whereby the floor is all made of see-through glass. There are models and exhibits underneath the glass and we are all walking on it. Before we came to this area, Jerlene has been running about non-stop but the moment we stepped onto the glass, she immediately stopped running. In fact, she stayed very still and dared not to move.

She must be afraid that the glass will break if she moves too much.....haha.... Her reactions towards the glass flooring is really funny.......

After an hour of fun time in the gallery, we decided to proceed outdoor to have a view of Singapore city skyline. The view is great and that's why we saw many couples taking their wedding photos there.
Jerlene again cannot resist the big open space and she was on her own running everywhere.
At one corner of the barage, there is a place where many kids gathered to play with the splashing water. As Jerlene was not in the proper attire, she did not join the other kids in the shallow pool. Will definitely bring Jerlene back to this place one of these days. It was a great morning spent in the Marina Barrage.