Thrills spills
There’s an astonishing lineup of new attractions awaiting globetrotters in 2013. Belinda Jackson and Julietta Jameson round up some of the best.
FOR LOVERS of the highest, biggest, cleverest or freshest, this year presents a remarkable array of new attractions in all corners of the globe. From Paris to far-north China, amazing feats of architecture, adrenalin-pumping roller coasters, world-class collections and even an endangered-animal experience will welcome visitors in 2013.
Here’s our guide to 10 of the best. Marina Boulevard, Singapore Gardens by the Bay Type of attraction: Botanical spectacular. Wow factor: More flowers than Interflora on Mother’s Day. Great for: Gardening enthusiasts, respite from the Singapore heat and humidity. Open: Now.
Singapore’s penchant for creative new architecture is fully in play at Gardens by the Bay. The Supertree Grove, a collection of fluted glass towers, is like something out of a futuristic space station. The walkways 22 metres above ground between the towers offer terrific views.
Two glass domes sit like giant sea snails on the edge of Marina Reservoir. Inside, visitors are surrounded by an extensive botanic collection, carefully zoned and climate controlled. It’s a soothing and intriguing experience that, all up, 700,000 plants collaborate upon.
The Flower Dome is a pleasing walk through different microclimates and their plants. The Cloud Forest, with its 30m waterfall centrepiece, mimics a tropical climate 1000m-3500m above sea level. By night, light shows transform the gardens into a flashier – and perhaps more child-friendly – place.
‘‘We could have used this for far more valuable commercial or residential developments, right in the middle of the new Singapore city,’’ says Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. ‘‘But our planners in URA [Urban Redevelopment Authority] believed that a large and beautiful park was an important element of our new downtown in Marina Bay South.’’
Entry to the domes ranges from S$8 ($7.75) to S$28. gardensbythebay.com.sg London, England The View from The Shard Type of attraction: High-rise viewing platform. Wow factor: On a (rare) clear day, you can see forever – or at least 64 kilometres away. Great for: Marriage proposals, London first-timers getting their bearings, a different perspective for London veterans. Open: February 1.
The controversy surrounding Renzo Piano’s The Shard made that about Sir Norman Foster’s quirky ‘‘Gherkin’’ in the same city look a doddle.
The Shard – all 95 storeys of it – dwarfs the London skyline.
It’s hated as incongruous and hailed as elegant. Either way, there’s no denying it’s spectacular.
The tapering edifice on the edge of the Thames at London Bridge is the tallest building in western Europe and incorporates offices, apartments, a hotel and two floors of public viewing space – The View from The Shard. The view is nothing short of breathtaking. The aspect of the winding course of the Thames is a highlight – it affords a deeper understanding of the way this warren of a city works.
‘‘This iconic building is already the new centrepiece for the city,’’ says the head of international media at VisitBritain, Paul Gauger.
‘‘The View from The Shard will be the must-visit attraction for London in 2013 and I’m sure for years to come.’’
The attraction is expensive, however. Tickets cost £24.95 ($47) for an adult and £18.95 for a child. Compare that with the 14 ($22) price of an adult ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower. theviewfromtheshard.com Johor Bahru, Malaysia Legoland Malaysia Type of attraction: The world’s sixth Legoland. Wow factor: Miniland: made from 30 million Lego bricks over three years. Great for: Young families, hardcore Lego buffs. Open: Now.
Set on the border of Singapore, Legoland is hands-on, with more than 40 attractions, including mini trains, tots’ playgrounds, castles, carousels and roller coasters.
The park is zoned into areas where you can build and test your creations, play jousting, damsels and dragons, or journey in the Land of Adventure to hook up with pharaohs and dinosaurs.
Intricate Miniland is a city of animated models of Asian landmarks, including the Taj Mahal and Petronas Twin Towers, at a scale of 1:20.
Coming in late 2013/early 2014 are a Legoland water park and hotel.
Buy online seven days in advance for the best price, from 112 ringgit ($43) for adults (12-59 years) and 88 ringgit for children and seniors (3-11 years, 60-plus years). legoland.com.my Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Yas Waterworld Type of attraction: The world’s biggest water park. Wow factor: The world’s largest surfable sheet wave. Great for: Families, thrill seekers, anyone who feels the heat at 50 degrees. Open: January 24.
There are 43 Emirati-themed water rides at Yas Waterworld, including the little-kid-friendly Marah Fortress, complete with water cannon, and Dawwama, a 20m-high funnel ride that propels you into the air.
‘‘Cameras installed inside the ride are meant to capture the looks of pure terror on riders’ faces,’’ the organisers say with unbridled glee.
There’s a designer Arabian