GETTING HERE:
Accessible on MRT from EW13/NS25 City Hall Station, from which you can walk south on North Bridge Road and turn left into Coleman Street and finally turn right into St Andrew's Road. Another option is to arrive at EW14/NS26 Raffles Place Station and walk across the Singapore River on Cavenagh Bridge or Anderson Bridge and find your way from here. Also accessible by CityBuzz on routes C1-#2 (St Andrew's Cathedral) or C2-#2.

DESCRIPTION:
One of the few green lungs in Singapore's central business district, the Padang holds its sacred right as a national icon for Singaporeans. Major national events are often held here, for example Singapore's annual National Day Celebration. During my visit, there was a big event held at nearby Esplanade Park called The Singapore River Hongbao which usually coincides during the Chinese New Year festivals.

The Padang is probably one of the best spot to see the spectacular skylines of Singapore. To its south lies the towering skyscrapers of Singapore's main financial centre which are mainly dominated by the towers of banking giants such as DBS Bank, UOB and Maybank. Towering buildings of the Marina Bay such as Suntec City (with its 4 identical towers), The Oriental Singapore as well as Marina Mandarin dot the skyline in the northeast. The world's 6th tallest hotel, Swissotel The Stamford can also be viewed from the Padang.

On each end of the Padang lies the Singapore Recreation Club as well as Singapore Cricket Club, with the latter being a reminiscent of its colonial favourite pastime.

MY VERDICT:
A great place to hang out and to watch the spectacular skylines of Singapore.