The Esplanade is a waterside building that can be found near the Singapore River. It is the proud location for Singapore’s performing arts. It has 1,600 seats for a concert hall and 2,000 seats for a theater. Many people consider this a must-see when you visit Singapore because of its magnificence and cultural significance.

The Esplanade also has places suitable for outdoor performance as well as a mall for shopping and relaxing. Many Singaporeans call it “The Durian” because of its architectural design. You should really watch a performance in the Esplanade because it has world-class talent. It is a venue for concerts, recitals, as well as other performances showcasing Singapore culture.

The theater has a 2,000 seat capacity and capable of holding performances of all genres in performing arts. So far it has had no limitations whether Asian or Western, classical or contemporary. And not to mention, the orchestra can accommodate many musicians as well. It also boasts that the viewing distance between the last seat and the stage is just 40 meters, which means you don’t have to strain your eyes that much.

The Esplanade also has a recital studio for small performances as well as meetings. Even though it is smaller, the walls and ceilings produce good acoustics. It is usually used for rehearsals. There is also a theatre studio for small theater and dance performances. It is really amazing because even though it is small, it is fully equipped with flexible staging, lighting and sound systems.

And lastly, what gives the Esplanade that magnificent look on the outside is the Jendela, meaning window. If you could see a picture, you would appreciate the distinct architecture. Inside it has a space for displaying visual arts. And with a view from the Marina Bay, who wouldn’t be astonished. So, if you’re ever in Singapore, spend some time and be amazed at the theaters on the bay.

When one goes to Singapore, one would of course have to look for a place to stay. If one would like that stay to not only be enjoyable but be filled with a historic feel, than one should consider staying in the Raffles Hotel found in Beach Road, Singapore.

The Raffles Hotel has been around Singapore for more than 120 years now. Put up in 1887 by four Armenian brothers and named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, started as a 10-room colonial bungalow. At that time it was one of the most modern buildings in Singapore. As time went by, more buildings were added expanding the hotel to accommodate more guests and add additional facilities.

Before the 1930’s, the hotel didn’t accept Asian guests. The Japanese occupation devastated the hotel. At the end of the Japanese occupation, 300 Japanese soldiers took their lives in the hotel with the use of grenades. After the devastation that World War II brought and the hardships that followed, the hotel was able to rebuild..

In 1987, on its 100th year, the hotel was declared a national monument. Two years later, the hotel closed down for renovations. In 1991, the hotel reopened after extensive renovation costing160 million Singaporean dollars. In addition to the renovation, an extension that housed more rooms and a shopping arcade was built.

Historic events connected to the hotel include the invention of the Singaporean Sling, a famous cocktail in Singapore, and the killing of the last Singaporean tiger on its premises. The Long Bar, the hotel’s bar and steakhouse, has been featured as one of the top ten bars in the world. There is also a museum that can be found on the third floor of the arcade. The Raffles Hotel Museum and Jubilee Hall features the history of the hotel.