Travelling around Singapore can be a breeze for wheelchair users, with plenty of places of interest, hotels and malls designed with those who are less mobile in mind
The Disabled People’s Association Singapore recommends places that have received the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Universal Design Mark Award for wheelchair users. Here are the top spots that offer a seamless experience for all.
BCA’s Universal Design Mark Award winners
1. Gardens By The Bay
Wheelchair-bound visitors to the Gardens can enjoy a free shuttle service between Bayfront MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) station and the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories. The pathways are wide enough for easy navigation on wheels and amenities such as water fountains are conveniently located outside restrooms. There are also non-slip gantries for getting around safely.
2. National Museum of Singapore
Not only does the National Museum of Singapore offer free admission to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents with disabilities and their first care-giver – non-locals with disabilities get to enter for just S$5 – the entire building has also been designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Facilities include designated parking spots for handicapped-labelled vehicles, lift and restroom access on all floors and smooth entry to all galleries.
3. W Singapore Sentosa Cove
With wheelchair-accessible parking lots, plenty of spacious guest lifts and wheelchair-friendly restrooms in all public areas, W Singapore Sentosa Cove is both stylish and seamless. It also has wheelchair-accessible rooms to ensure a truly comfortable stay.
4. VivoCity
Pulling out all the stops to welcome less mobile shoppers is VivoCity, which has plenty of wheelchair accessible routes, lifts and restrooms throughout the mall. It has spacious walkways to accommodate wider wheelchairs and also offers wheelchair loans and easily accessible taxi stands.
Buildings that meet BCA’s accessibility code
5. Singapore Flyer
With well-designed ramps and lifts, the Singapore Flyer is a great way for wheelchair-bound visitors to get a bird’s-eye view of the cityscape. Little touches, such as having the car park, ticket booth and boarding area located within a short distance from the lift, make all the difference. The staff will also adjust the speed of the wheel to allow those in wheelchairs to board smoothly.
6. Ion Orchard
Located directly above Orchard MRT station, this swanky mall is particularly suitable for wheelchair-bound fashionistas. The spacious lifts and sparkling clean wheelchair-accessible restrooms are a delight to use, while you’ll also find easy-to-spot concierge counters around the mall. There is a spacious viewing deck (above) offering 360-degree views of the city.
7. Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
A stone’s throw from the hip Tiong Bahru and Robertson Quay neighbourhoods, this hotel is a win for those who require disabled access. Besides specially designed wheelchair-friendly rooms, the hotel also offers wheelchair loans and has wide, accessible pathways from the taxi stand to the lifts and rooms.
PHOTOS: W SINGAPORE SENTOSA COVE, GARDENS BY THE BAY, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE, GRAND COPTHORNE WATERFRONT HOTEL, ION ORCHARD, SINGAPORE FLYER, VIVOCITY
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
