About

The Marina Barrage is a tidal and flood control barrier that has been constructed across the mouth of the Marina channel at a cost of $226 million. Opened in November 2008, it has turned the waters of the Marina basin into an inland reservoir and Singapore’s largest reservoir. Marina Bay now has a stabilized water level with no tidal fluctuations. 

Marina Barrage is a government-commissioned dam built across the mouth of Marina Channel to create Singapore's 15th reservoir, Marina Reservoir. Officially opened on 31 October 2008, it separates the water in Marina Basin from the seawater. It has been considered an engineering marvel because of its magnitude and complexity, and it was the subject of an August 2008 episode of Discovery Channel's Man Made Marvels Asia. The barrage is dubbed a three-in-one project as it serves three objectives: create a new source of water supply, act as a tool for flood control, and provide a new lifestyle attraction. The Marina Barrage also plays an important part in helping to alleviate flooding in some of the lower lying areas of the island. During periods of heavy rain, a series of nine crest gates will be opened to release excess stormwater into the sea when the tide is low. When the tide is high, seven giant pumps that are capable of pumping an Olympic-sized swimming pool per minute whirr into action, draining water into the sea. The facility is also a showcase for Singapore’s push to be a greener country. The Solar Park, for instance, features one of the largest collections of solar panels in Singapore, with over 400 panels providing the electricity needed for lighting at the barrage during the day. Marina Reservoir looks set to become the next hotspot for watersports enthusiasts for water activities such as canoeing, wakeboarding, and F1 power-boat racing.   

History

By 1987, the government had successfully completed its ten-year drive to clean up Singapore River and Kallang River. It was at this time that then prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, now minister mentor mooted the idea of damming up Marina Basin to create a large freshwater lake. However, this was not yet feasible with the existing technology. It was only in 2004 that the government set the wheels in motion by calling a tender for the project. The contract was awarded to local contractor Koh Brothers and construction began in early 2005.

Water Supply

Marina Barrage is a dam built across the 350-meter wide Marina Channel to keep out seawater, creating the 15th reservoir in downtown Singapore. Water from Local Catchment is one of the Four National Taps, with the other three being imported water, NEWater, and desalinated water.

Flood Control

Marina Barrage is part of a comprehensive flood control scheme to alleviate flooding in the low-lying areas in the city such as Chinatown, Boat Quay, Jalan Besar and Geylang. During heavy rain, the series of nine crest gates at the dam are activated to release excess stormwater into the sea when the tide is low. In the case of high tide, giant pumps can drain excess stormwater into the sea.

FREE guided tour

The guided tour comprises of both indoors and outdoors tours of Marina Barrage. Visitors will visit the revamped Sustainable Singapore Gallery to learn how to create a liveable and sustainable Singapore. Visitors will also tour the various outdoor premises (i.e. Green Roof, Courtyard) in Marina Barrage to learn more about the functions and sustainable features of Marina Barrage. The guided tours will only be conducted in English or Mandarin. Mandarin tours are subjected to availability. Visitors are encouraged to write in to PUB_marinabarrage@pub.gov.sg in advance to request for the Mandarin tours.

• Guided tours are available at every hour, except from 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM. (closed on Tuesdays) 
• The last guided tour will commence at 5:00 PM.
• All bookings are subjected to availability on a first-come-first-serve basis
  
• Each guided tour can take up to a maximum of 80 visitors.
• Tour bookings for public walk-ins can be done at the information counter located at level one, subject to availability. 
• For a more pleasant experience and to avoid disappointment, visitors are highly encouraged to make an advance tour booking
  

How to Reach

• By Car / Taxi: To get to Marina Barrage, head towards Central Boulevard from AYE (East Bound) into MCE (Exit 2) or ECP/KPE (Towards City) into MCE (Exit 3). Follow the road/directional signs along Central Boulevard towards Marina Gardens Drive (right turn). Stay on Marina Gardens Drive passing by first Gardens by the Bay and Satay by the Bay on the left before reaching Marina Barrage. Alternatively, travel from Rochor/Ophir towards ECP (West Bound) through Sheares Avenue into Central Boulevard.
• By Bus: SBS Bus 400  0700hrs – 2330hrs (Frequency of 15-20 mins).  From Tanjong Pagar Station: Take bus 400 in front of International Plaza (03223). From Marina Bay Station and Downtown Station: Take bus 400 at Marina Bay Financial Centre (03391) along Marina Boulevard. visit sbstransit.com.sg for more information on Bus 400 schedule.

Operating Hours

• Marina Barrage: All day 24 Hours.
• Information Counter: Daily, 9:00 AM to 09:00 PM

Tips

• Go about 6.45pm and you can view the transition of daylight to night and witness how Singapore comes to life with all the glittering night lights.
• Wear comfortable and decent walking shoes as you are in for quite an exploration.
  

Timings